Power storage device and charging method thereof

ABSTRACT

An object is to inhibit a decrease in the capacity of a power storage device or to compensate the capacity, by adjusting or rectifying an imbalance between a positive electrode and a negative electrode, which is caused by decomposition of an electrolyte solution at the negative electrode. Provided is a charging method of a power storage device including a positive electrode using an active material that exhibits two-phase reaction, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte solution. The method includes the steps of, after constant current charging, performing constant voltage charging with a voltage that does not cause decomposition of the electrolyte solution until a charging current becomes lower than or equal to a lower current value limit; and after the constant voltage charging, performing additional charging with a voltage that causes decomposition of the electrolyte solution until a resistance of the power storage device reaches a predetermined resistance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an object (a product including amachine, a manufacture, and a composition of matter) and a method (aprocess including a simple method and a production method). Inparticular, one embodiment of the present invention relates to a powerstorage device, a power storage system, a semiconductor device, adisplay device, a light-emitting device, and an electrical appliance,and further to a manufacturing method thereof and a driving methodthereof. More specifically, one embodiment of the present inventionrelates to a power storage device, a power storage system, asemiconductor device, a display device, a light-emitting device, and anelectrical appliance which include an oxide semiconductor, and furtherto a manufacturing method thereof and a driving method thereof. Inparticular, one embodiment of the present invention relates to a powerstorage device and a charging method thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, various power storage devices such as non-aqueoussecondary batteries including lithium-ion secondary batteries and thelike, lithium-ion capacitors, and air cells have been activelydeveloped. In particular, demand for lithium-ion secondary batterieswith high output and high energy density has rapidly grown with thedevelopment of the semiconductor industry, for electrical appliances,for example, portable information terminals such as mobile phones,smartphones, and laptop computers, portable music players, and digitalcameras; medical equipment; next-generation clean energy vehicles suchas hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), electric vehicles (EVs), and plug-inhybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs); and the like. The lithium-ionsecondary batteries are essential as rechargeable energy supply sourcesfor today's information society.

A lithium-ion secondary battery, which is one of non-aqueous secondarybatteries and widely used due to its high energy density, includes apositive electrode including an active material such as lithium cobaltoxide (LiCoO₂) or lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄), a negative electrodeformed of a carbon material such as graphite capable of occlusion andrelease of lithium ions, a non-aqueous electrolyte solution in which anelectrolyte formed of a lithium salt such as LiBF₄ or LiPF₆ is dissolvedin an organic solvent such as ethylene carbonate or diethyl carbonate,and the like. A lithium-ion secondary battery is charged and dischargedin such a way that lithium ions in the secondary battery move betweenthe positive electrode and the negative electrode through thenon-aqueous electrolyte solution and inserted into or extracted from theactive materials of the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

The capacity of such a lithium-ion secondary battery or the like isdetermined by the amount of lithium inserted and extracted into/from thepositive electrode. On the other hand, since decomposition reaction ofthe electrolyte solution occurs at the negative electrode, lithium isused in formation of a film called a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI),which may lead to a decrease in the capacity of the battery.

If decomposition reaction of the electrolyte solution similar to that atthe negative electrode occurs also at the positive electrode, thedecomposition reaction can cancel out the decomposition reaction at thenegative electrode. However, since the potential of the positiveelectrode is not sufficiently higher than the oxidation potential of theelectrolyte solution, the amount of reduction reaction at the negativeelectrode is larger than the amount of oxidation reaction at thepositive electrode.

REFERENCE

-   [Non-Patent Document 1] Zempachi Ogumi, “Lithium Secondary Battery”,    Ohmsha, Ltd., the first impression of the first edition published on    Mar. 20, 2008, pp. 116-118

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For this reason, in a conventional power storage device, the amount oflithium inserted and extracted into/from a negative electrode is smallerthan the amount of lithium inserted and extracted into/from a positiveelectrode because the decomposition of an electrolyte solution alsooccurs at the negative electrode. Therefore, there is an imbalance inthe amount of inserted and extracted lithium between the positiveelectrode and the negative electrode, resulting in a decrease in thecapacity of the power storage device.

In view of the above, an object of one embodiment of the presentinvention is to inhibit a decrease in the capacity of a power storagedevice or to compensate the capacity, by adjusting or rectifying animbalance in the amount of inserted and extracted carrier ions between apositive electrode and a negative electrode, which is caused bydecomposition of an electrolyte solution at the negative electrode.

An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to restore thecapacity of a power storage device.

An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to control apower storage device with low power.

An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to improve thereliability of a power storage device.

An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide anovel power storage device.

An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide ahighly reliable semiconductor device including a semiconductor layer.

In particular, one embodiment of the present invention can achieve atleast one of the objects set forth above, in some cases. Note that oneembodiment of the present invention does not necessarily achieve all theobjects set forth above. If an object is not described above butapparent from the description of the specification, drawings, the scopeof claims, and the like, the object can be regarded as it is.

As described above, an imbalance in the amount of inserted and extractedlithium between a positive electrode and a negative electrode can beredressed when decomposition of an electrolyte solution occurs also atthe positive electrode. For example, in the case of using lithium ironphosphate (LiFePO₄) as a positive electrode active material, a potentialat which lithium is inserted and extracted is approximately 3.5 V andtherefore an end of charge voltage of 4 V is sufficient. However, byintentionally raising the end of charge voltage to 4.5 V, thedecomposition of the electrolyte solution occurs at the positiveelectrode. In such a manner, the amount of decomposed electrolytesolution at the positive electrode becomes equal to the amount ofdecomposed electrolyte solution at the negative electrode; thus, thecapacity of the positive electrode and the capacity of the negativeelectrode are balanced with each other, which makes it possible toinhibit a decrease in the capacity of the battery.

However, the decomposition of the electrolyte solution at the positiveelectrode might increase the resistance of the positive electrode.

In view of the above, the present inventors and the like have hit uponan idea of raising the charge voltage and performing a charge operationfor charging to a certain degree to increase the battery capacity, onlywhen the battery capacity becomes below a certain value. In the case ofusing lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) as a positive electrode activematerial, for example, a charge voltage of 4.0 V or lower is enough forcharging a general battery. When the battery capacity stored by normalcharging becomes smaller than the capacity before shipping by apredetermined amount, additional charging with a high voltage thatcauses decomposition of an electrolyte solution is performed tocompensate the decreased amount of charges. Thus, an increase in theresistance of the positive electrode can be prevented, and therestoration of the battery capacity can be achieved.

One embodiment of the present invention is a charging method of a powerstorage device including a positive electrode using an active materialthat exhibits two-phase reaction, a negative electrode, and anelectrolyte solution. The charging method includes the steps of: afterconstant current charging, performing constant voltage charging with afirst voltage that does not cause decomposition of the electrolytesolution (voltage that hardly causes decomposition of a predeterminedamount of the electrolyte solution) until a charging current becomeslower than or equal to a predetermined lower current value limit; andafter the constant voltage charging, performing additional charging witha second voltage that causes decomposition of the electrolyte solutionuntil a resistance of the power storage device reaches a predeterminedresistance. The second voltage is higher than the first voltage andspecifically higher than the first voltage by at least 1 V.

One embodiment of the present invention is a charging method of a powerstorage device including a positive electrode using an active materialthat exhibits two-phase reaction, a negative electrode, an electrolytesolution, and a memory. The charging method includes the steps of: afterconstant current charging, performing constant voltage charging with avoltage that does not cause decomposition of the electrolyte solution(first voltage) until a charging current becomes lower than or equal toa predetermined lower current value limit; and if a capacity of thepower storage device after the constant voltage charging is lower than acapacity before shipping of the power storage device, which is stored inthe memory, by a predetermined capacity, performing additional chargingwith a voltage that causes decomposition of the electrolyte solutionuntil a resistance of the power storage device reaches a predeterminedresistance.

One embodiment of the present invention is a power storage deviceincluding: a power storage unit including a positive electrode using anactive material that exhibits two-phase reaction, a negative electrode,and an electrolyte solution; a memory in which a capacity beforeshipping of the power storage unit is stored; and a circuit. In thepower storage device, the circuit has functions of: comparing a capacityof the power storage unit after charging with the capacity beforeshipping of the power storage unit, which is stored in the memory, andif the capacity of the power storage unit after charging is lower thanthe capacity before shipping of the power storage unit, controllingoperation so that additional charging with a voltage that causesdecomposition of the electrolyte solution is performed until aresistance of the power storage unit reaches a predetermined resistance.

In particular, the positive electrode preferably includes graphene. Thegraphene is preferably multilayer graphene with an interlayer distanceof greater than or equal to 0.34 nm and less than or equal to 0.5 nm.

Further, the memory preferably includes a transistor including an oxidesemiconductor film in a channel formation region and having a functionof controlling writing and retention of data. The circuit preferablyincludes a transistor including an oxide semiconductor film in a channelformation region. In particular, the transistor including the oxidesemiconductor film in the channel formation region has an off-statecurrent per micrometer of a channel width of less than or equal to 100zA.

A decrease in the capacity of the power storage device can be inhibited.

The capacity of the power storage device can be restored.

The power storage device can be controlled with low power.

Moreover, the reliability of the power storage device can be improved.

A novel power storage device can be provided.

Further, a semiconductor device with low off-state current can beprovided. A semiconductor device with low power consumption can beprovided. Further, a semiconductor device including a transparentsemiconductor layer can be provided. A highly-reliable semiconductordevice including a semiconductor layer can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing a charging method;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing changes in charge capacity withrespect to voltage;

FIG. 3 illustrates a power storage device that charges and discharges apower storage unit;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a power storage device that charges anddischarges a power storage unit;

FIG. 5 illustrates a power storage device that charges and discharges apower storage unit;

FIG. 6 illustrates a control circuit;

FIGS. 7A and 7B each illustrate a control circuit;

FIG. 8 illustrates a memory;

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a memory;

FIG. 10 illustrates a memory;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining a memory;

FIG. 12 illustrates a coulomb counter;

FIGS. 13A to 13C illustrate a structural example of a transistor;

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate structural examples of a transistor;

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate a positive electrode;

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate a negative electrode;

FIGS. 17A to 17C illustrate power storage devices;

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate a power storage device;

FIGS. 19A to 19D illustrate power storage devices;

FIGS. 20A to 20C illustrate electrical appliances;

FIGS. 21A to 21C illustrate an electrical appliance;

FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate an electrical appliance;

FIG. 23 shows charge-discharge characteristics of a power storagedevice; and

FIGS. 24A and 24B show variations in the current value by application ofhigh voltages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail belowwith reference to the drawings.

However, the present invention is not limited to the description of theembodiments, and it is easily understood by those skilled in the artthat the modes can be modified in various ways. Therefore, the inventionshould not be construed as being limited to the description in thefollowing embodiments.

Note that in drawings used in this specification, the thicknesses offilms, layers, and substrates and the sizes of components (e.g., thesizes of regions) are exaggerated for simplicity in some cases.Therefore, the sizes of the components are not limited to those in thedrawings and relative sizes between the components in the drawings.

Note that the ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” in thisspecification and the like are used for convenience and do not denotethe order of steps, the stacking order of layers, or the like. Inaddition, the ordinal numbers in this specification and the like do notdenote particular names which specify the present invention.

Note that in the structures of the present invention described in thisspecification and the like, the same portions or portions having similarfunctions in different drawings are denoted by the same referencenumerals, and description of such portions is not repeated. Further, thesame hatching pattern is applied to portions having similar functions,and the portions are not especially denoted by reference numerals insome cases.

Note that a resist mask or the like might be reduced in sizeunintentionally owing to treatment such as etching in an actualmanufacturing process; however, the reduction is not shown in thedrawings in some cases for easy understanding.

Note that the term such as “over” or “below” in this specification andthe like does not necessarily mean that a component is placed “directlyon” or “directly under” another component. For example, the expression“a gate electrode over a gate insulating layer” can mean the case wherethere is an additional component between the gate insulating layer andthe gate electrode.

Note that a voltage refers to a potential difference between a certainpotential and a reference potential (e.g., a ground potential (GND) or asource potential) in many cases. Accordingly, a voltage can also becalled a potential.

In addition, in this specification and the like, the term such as“electrode” or “wiring” does not limit the function of the componentitself. For example, an “electrode” is sometimes a part of a “wiring”,and vice versa. Furthermore, the term “electrode” or “wiring” caninclude the case where a plurality of “electrodes” or “wirings” isformed in an integrated manner.

Functions of a “source” and a “drain” are sometimes replaced with eachother when a transistor of opposite polarity is used or when thedirection of current flowing is changed in circuit operation, forexample. Therefore, the terms “source” and “drain” can be replaced witheach other in this specification and the like.

Note that in this specification and the like, it might be possible forthose skilled in the art to constitute one embodiment of the inventioneven when portions to which all the terminals of an active element(e.g., a transistor or a diode), a passive element (e.g., a capacitor ora resistor), or the like are connected are not specified. In otherwords, even when such portions are not specified, one embodiment of theinvention can be clear and it can be determined that one embodiment ofthe invention is disclosed in this specification and the like, in somecases. In particular, in the case where there are several possibleportions to which a terminal can be connected, it is not necessary tospecify all the portions to which the terminal is connected. Thus, itmight be possible to constitute one embodiment of the invention byspecifying only portions to which some of terminals of an active element(e.g., a transistor or a diode), a passive element (e.g., a capacitor ora resistor), or the like are connected.

Note that in this specification and the like, it might be possible forthose skilled in the art to specify the invention when at leastconnection portions of a circuit are specified. Alternatively, it mightbe possible for those skilled in the art to specify the invention whenat least a function of a circuit is specified. In other words, when afunction of a circuit is specified, one embodiment of the presentinvention can be clear and it can be determined that one embodiment ofthe invention is disclosed in this specification and the like, in somecases. Thus, when not a function but connection portions of a circuitare specified, the circuit is disclosed as one embodiment of theinvention, and one embodiment of the invention can be constituted.Alternatively, when not connection portions but a function of a circuitis specified, the circuit is disclosed as one embodiment of theinvention, and one embodiment of the invention can be constituted.

Note that in this specification and the like, a positive electrode and anegative electrode for a secondary battery may be collectively referredto as electrodes; the electrode in this case refers to at least one ofthe positive electrode and the negative electrode.

Note that in this specification and the like, a charging rate C refersto the rate at which a secondary battery is charged. For example, thecharging rate in the case of charging a battery having a capacity of 1Ah with 1 A is 1 C. In addition, a discharging rate C refers to the rateat which a secondary battery is discharged. For example, the dischargingrate in the case of discharging a battery having a capacity of 1 Ah with1 A is 1 C.

Structures or methods described in Detailed Description of the Inventioncan be combined as appropriate.

[1. Power Storage Device and Charging Method]

A charging and discharging method of a power storage device and thecharging system in one embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[1.1. Active Material Exhibiting Two-Phase Reaction]

A power storage device of one embodiment of the present inventionincludes a power storage unit that includes a positive electrode, anegative electrode, and an electrolyte solution. In particular, anactive material that exhibits two-phase reaction is preferably used inthe positive electrode.

The two-phase reaction is a reaction that proceeds in a state where twophases that are a crystal phase in a charge state and a crystal phase ina discharge state coexist in a positive electrode. This two-phasereaction causes a flat potential region (plateau region).

In the case of using an active material that exhibits two-phasereaction, an abrupt voltage change at the end of charging as well as theflat potential ness in charging occurs.

As the active material that exhibits two-phase reaction, an olivinelithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) or a spinel lithium manganese oxide(LiMn₂O₄) can be used, for example.

FIG. 23 shows charge-discharge characteristics of a battery usinglithium iron phosphate, which is an active material that exhibitstwo-phase reaction, as the positive electrode active material. Thecharge and discharge curves both have a flat potential region (plateauregion).

Note that “flat” in the above sentences is a qualitative expression usedto indicate part of charge-discharge characteristics of the battery thatuses an active material that exhibits two-phase reaction, and thusshould not be quantitatively discussed.

However, if the phrase “the charge and discharge curves have a flatpotential region (plateau region)” is quantitatively expressed, it meansthat the voltage is constant or substantially constant irrelevant tocharge-discharge capacity (mAh/g). The substantially constant voltagemeans that the absolute value of variations in voltage is within 5 mVfor variations in charge-discharge capacity of 10 mAh/g.

In one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable to use anactive material that exhibits two-phase reaction, particularly becausean abrupt voltage change occurs at the end of charging.

Note that the components of the power storage unit such as the positiveelectrode, the negative electrode, and the electrolyte solution aredescribed later.

[1.2. Charging Method of Power Storage Device]

Next, a charging method of a power storage device, which is oneembodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference toFIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing the charging method of the power storagedevice of one embodiment of the present invention. First, when chargingof the power storage device starts (Step S050), the power storage deviceis charged with a first voltage (Step S051). The first voltage is avoltage that does not substantially cause decomposition of theelectrolyte solution, although minimal decomposition can be caused by areaction between impurities in the electrolyte solution, a thermalvariation, and the like in a first voltage range. With a voltage thatcauses decomposition of the electrolyte solution, which is higher than adecomposition potential, the current value increases logarithmically. Inthis sense, the voltage that does not cause decomposition of theelectrolyte solution does not only strictly mean the voltage that doesnot cause decomposition but also means the voltage that hardly causescurrent flow as compared to the potential that causes decomposition ofthe electrolyte solution.

As the charging method in Step S051, constant current constant voltage(CCCV) charging is preferably performed. This is because CCCV chargingenables charging to a high capacity, which is for example higher thanthe capacity achieved by constant current (CC) charging. However, thecharging method is not limited to this method, and constant currentcharging, constant voltage charging, pulse charging, or other chargingmethods may be employed.

For example, in the case of CCCV charging, the finish of charging can bedetermined by judging whether the value of current flowing through thepower storage device is lower than or equal to a lower current valuelimit that is appropriately set. For example, the charging finishes whenthe current value becomes lower than or equal to 0.01 C.

Next, it is judged whether the capacity of the power storage device hasreached a predetermined capacity by the above charging (Step S052).

To make this judgement, the capacity of the power storage device beforeshipping is preferably stored in the power storage device.

In this specification, the capacity of the power storage device beforeshipping means the capacity of the power storage device after productionand before shipping, in other words, the capacity before the user startsusing it. Note that in the case where the power storage device issubjected to aging treatment after being produced, the capacity of thepower storage device before shipping means the capacity after the agingtreatment.

Further, the capacity of the power storage device before shipping is thecapacity (maximum capacity) to which the power storage device can bemaximally charged by a normal charging method at the shipping stage. Thecapacity may include a capacity corresponding to an irreversiblecapacity of the negative electrode caused by charging before theshipping of the power storage device. Note that it is preferable tocharge the power storage device in advance to compensate for the amountof the capacity corresponding to the irreversible capacity of thenegative electrode caused before the shipping, by additional charging ofone embodiment of the present invention.

To store the capacity before the shipping in the power storage device, amemory is preferably incorporated in the power storage device. Thememory that is described later is preferably a nonvolatile RAM.Alternatively, a read only memory such as a mask ROM may be used. Thememory may be provided inside a circuit having a function of controllingthe charging method of one embodiment of the present invention.

The judgement on whether the capacity of the power storage device hasreached the predetermined capacity is made by obtaining a differencefrom the capacity of the power storage device before the shipping(maximum capacity). For example, it is determined whether the capacityof the power storage device after charging at Step S051 is lower thanthe capacity of the power storage device before the shipping by apredetermined capacity.

If the difference between the capacity of the power storage device aftercharging at Step S051 and the capacity of the power storage devicebefore the shipping does not exceed the predetermined capacity, chargingof the power storage device is finished (Step S056).

On the other hand, if the difference between the capacity of the powerstorage device after charging at Step S051 and the capacity of the powerstorage device before the shipping exceeds the predetermined capacity,the power storage device goes to Step S053 for additional charging.

For this judgement, a circuit that can make this judgement is preferablyprovided in the power storage device.

Next, it is judged whether the resistance of the power storage devicehas reached a predetermined resistance (Step S053). If the resistance ofthe power storage device, that is, the resistance of the positiveelectrode, is high enough, the positive electrode deteriorates andfurther charging is difficult; therefore, the charging process isfinished without additional charging (Step S056).

On the other hand, if the resistance of the power storage device has notreached the predetermined resistance, the power storage device goes toStep S054 for additional charging with the use of a high voltage.

Here, the resistance of the power storage device can be calculated bysupplying a predetermined discharge current to the power storage deviceand measuring a voltage drop of the power storage device.

The additional charging at Step S054 is performed using the voltage thatcauses decomposition of the electrolyte solution of the power storagedevice. In the case where lithium iron phosphate is used as the activematerial that exhibits two-phase reaction in the positive electrode, thevoltage that causes decomposition of the electrolyte solution ispreferably higher than 4.0 V (vs. Li/Li+), further preferably higherthan or equal to 4.3 V (vs. Li/Li+), and further preferably higher thanor equal to 4.6 V (vs. Li/Li+). If the high voltage is used, however,the resistance of the positive electrode increases; accordingly, thevoltage for additional charging is set as appropriate within the rangeof voltages that cause decomposition of the electrolyte solution inaccordance with the purpose.

Further, the additional charging at Step S054 is performed only for apredetermined period of time (e.g., a period from time 0 to time t₁).Accordingly, the power storage device is preferably provided with aperiod measurement unit such as a timer/counter.

After the predetermined period of time, the additional charging isstopped, and it is judged whether the resistance of the power storagedevice has reached the predetermined resistance (Step S055). If theresistance of the power storage device has not reached the predeterminedresistance, the power storage device returns to Step S054 for anotheradditional charging with the use of the high voltage. On the other hand,if the resistance of the power storage device has reached thepredetermined resistance, charging is finished (Step S056).

The judgement of the resistance at Step S055 is made in the same way asthat at Step S053.

By dividing the charging operation and judging the resistance of thepower storage device at regular time intervals in this manner, asignificant increase of the resistance of the power storage device canbe prevented and additional charging can be performed.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing changes in charge capacity withrespect to voltage during CCCV charging and additional charging afterthe CCCV charging. A power storage device used in this measurementincludes an active material that exhibits two-phase reaction in apositive electrode. The horizontal axis represents charge capacity, andthe vertical axis represents voltage.

A plateau region with small voltage variations spreads in most period ofCC charging. At the end of CC charging, voltage abruptly increases. Inthe case where the end voltage of CC charging is set at V₁, after thevoltage reaches V₁, charging is switched to CV charging with a constantvoltage of V₁. When the charge capacity at this time is C₁, the chargecapacity is further increased to C₂ by this CV charging.

The voltage used in CCCV charging is V₁ at the maximum as shown in FIG.2 and is within the range of voltages that do not cause decomposition ofan electrolyte solution of the power storage device.

Then, in the case of performing additional charging, the additionalcharging is performed using the voltage V₂ that causes decomposition ofthe electrolyte solution of the power storage device. By this additionalcharging, the charge capacity of the power storage device can increaseto C₃ that is higher than C₂. Here, the upper limit of the capacity C₃obtained by additional charging is the capacity before the shipping ofthe power storage device (maximum capacity).

[1.3. Power Storage Device that Charges and Discharges Power StorageUnit]

An example of a power storage device that charges and discharges a powerstorage unit of one embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 3, FIGS. 4A and 4B, and FIG. 5.

A power storage device that charges and discharges a power storage unitillustrated in FIG. 3 includes a power storage unit 201, a converter202, a circuit 203, a load 204, a power supply 205, a switch 206, aswitch 207, a switch 208, a coulomb counter 209, a resistor 210, and aconverter 211. Note that when the components are incorporated in thesame device, the number of connection points or the like can be reduced.For example, the power storage unit 201 and the circuit 203 may beincorporated in the same device. Alternatively, the power storage unit201, the converter 202, and the circuit 203 may be incorporated in thesame device.

It is preferable, as described above, to use an active material thatexhibits two-phase reaction in a positive electrode of the power storageunit 201. The power storage device having the power storage unit 201will be described later.

The converter 202 is connected to the power storage unit 201 and thecircuit 203.

For example, the converter 202 has a function of controlling the currentvalue at the time of charge and discharge of the power storage unit 201by converting voltage supplied from the power supply 205.

As the converter 202, a step-up/down converter can be used, for example.The step-up/down converter includes a switching regulator and a controlcircuit, for example. The switching regulator includes an inductor and aswitch, for example. The step-up/down converter can switch betweenstep-up and step-down of an input voltage by the control of the switchwith the control circuit, for example, and thus can control the value ofthe stepped-up or stepped-down voltage. In this manner, the step-up/downconverter can output a certain constant voltage to the power storageunit 201, and enables constant current charging or constant voltagecharging. Note that one embodiment of the present invention is notlimited to this example, and the switch of the switching regulator maybe controlled by the circuit 203 instead of by the control circuit. Asthe step-up/down converter, a single ended primary inductor converter(SEPIC), a zeta converter, or the like can be used, for example.

The circuit 203 is connected to the power storage unit 201. Power issupplied to the circuit 203 from the power storage unit 201 or the powersupply 205.

The circuit 203 has a function of controlling the value of the outputvoltage from the converter 202 by generating and outputting aninstruction signal that instructs the state of the converter 202. Notethat the circuit 203 may serve as a control circuit. Alternatively, thecircuit 203 may serve as a microcomputer, a microprocessor (alsoreferred to as an MPU), a microcontroller unit (also referred to as anMCU) a field programmable gate array (also referred to as an FPGA), acentral processing unit (also referred to as a CPU), or a batterymanagement unit (also referred to as a BMU).

The circuit 203 preferably includes a memory for storing capacity beforethe shipping of the power storage unit 201 (maximum capacity). However,the memory is not necessarily provided inside the circuit 203 and may beincluded separately in the power storage device.

The load 204 is connected to the power storage unit 201, the converter202, and the circuit 203. Power is supplied to the load 204 from thepower storage unit 201 or the power supply 205. Note that a controlsignal from the load 204 may be input to the circuit 203. A power gatemay be provided in the load 204 to control power supply to a circuitincluded in the load 204. Note that the circuit 203 is not necessarilyconnected to the load 204.

As the power supply 205, a power supply circuit using a system powersupply can be used, for example. Without limitation to this example, adevice capable of supplying electric power in a contactless manner, suchas a power feeding device, may be used.

The switch 206 is connected to the positive electrode of the powerstorage unit 201 and has a function of controlling conduction betweenthe power storage unit 201 and the converter 202, for example. Theswitch 206 may be controlled by the control circuit of the converter 202or the circuit 203.

The switch 207 has a function of controlling conduction between thepower storage unit 201 and the load 204. The switch 207 may becontrolled by the control circuit of the converter 202 or the circuit203.

The switch 208 has a function of controlling conduction between thepower supply 205 and the converter 202. The switch 208 may be controlledby the control circuit of the converter 202 or the circuit 203.

As the switches 206 to 208, a transistor, a diode, or the like can beused, for example.

The resistor 210 is electrically connected to the power storage unit 201through the switch 206.

The coulomb counter 209 is electrically connected to both terminals ofthe resistor 210. The coulomb counter 209 detects the value of currentflowing through the resistor 210 and determines the capacity (the amountof charges) of the power storage unit 201. The determined capacity ofthe power storage unit 201 can be used as data for judging whether toperform the above-described additional charging of the power storageunit 201. The coulomb counter 209 is described later.

The coulomb counter 209 is electrically connected to the circuit 203 andcontrolled by the circuit 203. The coulomb counter 209 transmits thedata on the determined capacity of the power storage unit 201 to thecircuit 203.

Although the coulomb counter 209 and the circuit 203 are illustratedseparately in FIG. 3, the coulomb counter 209 may be provided inside thecircuit 203. Further, the resistor 210 and the coulomb counter 209 arenot necessarily provided in the power storage device and may be providedin a charging device for charging the power storage device or the like.

Next, a method for charging and discharging the power storage devicethat charges and discharges the power storage unit 201, which isillustrated in FIG. 3, will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A and4B.

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, in the period of CCCV charging and the periodof additional charging for the power storage unit 201, the switch 207 isturned off and the switches 206 and 208 are turned on by beingcontrolled by the circuit 203 or the like. Thus, the positive electrodeof the power storage unit 201 is electrically connected to the powersupply 205 through the converter 202. This allows current to flow to thepower storage unit 201 from the power supply 205 through the converter202, whereby the power storage unit 201 is charged. The voltage andcurrent input to the power storage device can be adjusted as appropriateusing the converter 202 or the like.

Here, to judge whether to perform additional charging, the resistance ofthe power storage unit 201 is checked at regular time intervals. Theresistance can be calculated by making a predetermined current flow tothe power storage unit 201 using the converter 202 and measuring avoltage drop of the power storage unit 201 at this time using theconverter 211, as shown in FIG. 4B.

For example, a predetermined current I₁ is made to flow to the powerstorage unit 201 by the converter 202 and a voltage V_(1a) at this timeis measured by the converter 211. Further, a predetermined current I₂ ismade to flow to the power storage unit 201 by the converter 202 and avoltage V_(2a) at this time is measured by the converter 211. When theresistance of the power storage unit 201 is R, the resistance can becalculated by the following equation: R=(V_(1a)−V_(2a))/(I₁−I₂).

For this measurement, the converter 202 and the converter 211 arecontrolled in synchronization with each other by using the circuit 203.The calculation of the resistance of the power storage unit 201 may beperformed using the circuit 203.

Note that the above-described method for measuring the resistance of thepower storage unit 201 is merely an example, and other methods formeasuring the resistance may be used as well.

In the discharging period of the power storage unit 201, as shown inFIG. 5, the switch 208 is turned off and the switches 206 and 207 areturned on by being controlled by the circuit 203 or the like. Thus, thepositive electrode and the negative electrode of the power storage unit201 and the load 204 are electrically connected to one another, and acurrent flows from the power storage unit 201 to the load 204.

To supply power to the load 204, the power storage unit 201 is notnecessarily used under the state where the power supply 205 is connectedto the load 204. Power may be supplied to the load 204 from the powersupply 205. In this case, power supply to the load 204 and charging ofthe power storage unit 201 can be performed at the same time.

[2. Control Circuit]

An example of the circuit 203 is described with reference to FIG. 6.

[2.1. Circuit Configuration]

A circuit 203 includes a processor 710, a bus bridge 711, a RAM (randomaccess memory) 712, a memory interface 713, a controller 720, aninterrupt controller 721, an I/O interface (input-output interface) 722,and a power gate unit 730.

The circuit 203 further includes a crystal oscillation circuit 741, atimer circuit 745, an I/O interface 746, an I/O port 750, a comparator751, an I/O interface 752, a bus line 761, a bus line 762, a bus line763, and a data bus line 764. Further, the circuit 203 includes at leastconnection terminals 770 to 776 for connection to an external device.Note that each of the connection terminals 770 to 776 represents oneterminal or a terminal group including a plurality of terminals. Anoscillation unit 742 including a quartz crystal oscillator 743 isconnected to the circuit 203 through the connection terminal 772 and theconnection terminal 773.

The processor 710 includes a register 785 and is connected to the buslines 761 to 763 and the data bus line 764 through the bus bridge 711.

The memory 712 is a memory device capable of functioning as a mainmemory of the processor 710, and a random access memory is used, forexample. The memory 712 stores an instruction executed by the processor710, data necessary for execution of an instruction, and data onprocessing of the processor 710. In accordance with the instructionprocessed by the processor 710, writing and reading of data to/from thememory 712 are carried out.

In the circuit 203, power supply to the memory 712 is blocked in a lowpower consumption mode. Therefore, a memory capable of storing data whenpower is not supplied to the memory is preferably used as the memory712.

The memory interface 713 is an input-output interface with an externalmemory device. Under the instruction executed by the processor 710, datais written into and read out from the external memory device connectedto the connection terminal 776 via the memory interface 713.

A clock generation circuit 715 is a circuit that generates a clocksignal MCLK (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “MCLK”) to be usedin the processor 710, and includes an RC oscillator and the like. MCLKis also output to the controller 720 and the interrupt controller 721.

The controller 720 is a circuit that controls the circuit 203, and cancarry out control of a power supply of the circuit 203, control of theclock generation circuit 715 and the crystal oscillation circuit 741,and the like.

The connection terminal 770 is a terminal for inputting an externalinterrupt signal. A non-maskable interrupt signal NMI is input to thecontroller 720 through the connection terminal 770. As soon as thenon-maskable interrupt signal NMI is input to the controller 720, thecontroller 720 outputs the non-maskable interrupt signal NMI2 to theprocessor 710, so that the processor 710 executes interrupt processing.

The interrupt signal INT is input to the interrupt controller 721through the connection terminal 770. Interrupt signals (T0IRQ, P0IRQ,and C0IRQ) from the peripheral circuits are input to the interruptcontroller 721 without passing through the buses (761 to 764).

The interrupt controller 721 has a function of assigning priorities tointerrupt requests. When the interrupt controller 721 detects theinterrupt signal, the interrupt controller 721 determines whether theinterrupt request is valid or not. If the interrupt request is valid,the interrupt controller 721 outputs an interrupt signal IRQ to thecontroller 720.

The interrupt controller 721 is connected to the bus line 761 and thedata bus line 764 through an I/O interface 722.

When the interrupt signal INT is input, the controller 720 outputs theinterrupt signal INT2 to the processor 710 and makes the processor 710execute interrupt processing.

The interrupt signal T0IRQ is directly input to the controller 720without passing through the interrupt controller 721 in some cases. Whenthe controller 720 receives the interrupt signal T0IRQ, the controller720 outputs the non-maskable interrupt signal NMI2 to the processor 710,so that the processor 710 executes interrupt processing.

A register 780 of the controller 720 is provided in the controller 720.A register 786 of the interrupt controller 721 is provided in the I/Ointerface 722.

Next, a peripheral circuit included in the circuit 203 will bedescribed. The circuit 203 includes the timer circuit 745, the I/O port750, and the comparator 751 as peripheral circuits. These are examplesof the peripheral circuits, and a circuit needed for an electricalappliance using the circuit 203 can be provided as appropriate.

The timer circuit 745 has a function of measuring time in response to aclock signal TCLK (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “TCLK”)output from a clock generation circuit 740. In addition, the timercircuit 745 outputs the interrupt signal T0IRQ to the controller 720 andthe interrupt controller 721 at a set time interval. The timer circuit745 is connected to the bus line 761 and the data bus line 764 throughthe I/O interface 746.

TCLK is a clock signal having a frequency lower than that of MCLK. Forexample, the frequency of MCLK is about several megahertz (MHz) (e.g., 8MHz) and the frequency of TCLK is about several tens of kilohertz (kHz)(e.g., 32 kHz). The clock generation circuit 740 includes the crystaloscillation circuit 741 incorporated in the circuit 203, and theoscillation unit 742 which is connected to the connection terminal 772and the connection terminal 773. The quartz crystal oscillator 743 isused as an oscillator of the oscillation unit 742. In addition, theclock generation circuit 740 is made up of a CR oscillator and the like,and thereby, all modules in the clock generation circuit 740 can beincorporated in the circuit 203.

The I/O port 750 is an interface that inputs and outputs information toand from an external device connected to the I/O port 750 through theconnection terminal 774 and is an input-output interface for a digitalsignal. Accordingly, a data signal can be input to the circuit 203. Forexample, the I/O port 750 outputs the interrupt signal P0IRQ to theinterrupt controller 721 in accordance with an input digital signal.Note that a plurality of connection terminals 774 may be provided.

The comparator 751 can compare a potential (or current) of the analogsignal inputted from the connection terminal 775 with a potential (orcurrent) of a reference signal and generate a digital signal having alevel of 0 or 1. Further, the comparator 751 can generate the interruptsignal C0IRQ depending on the level of this digital signal. Theinterrupt signal C0IRQ is output to the interrupt controller 721.

The I/O port 750 and the comparator 751 are connected to the bus line761 and the data bus line 764 through the I/O interface 752 common tothe both. Here, one I/O interface 752 is used because the I/O interfacesof the I/O port 750 and the comparator 751 can share a circuit; however,the T/O port 750 and the comparator 751 can each have an I/O interfaceseparately.

In addition, a register of each peripheral circuit is placed in theinput/output interface corresponding to the peripheral circuit. Aregister 787 of the timer circuit 745 is placed in the I/O interface746, and a register 783 of the I/O port 750 and a register 784 of thecomparator 751 are placed in the I/O interface 752.

The circuit 203 includes the power gate unit 730 that can block powersupply to the internal circuits. Power is supplied only to a circuitnecessary for operation by the power gate unit 730, so that powerconsumption of the circuit 203 can be lowered as a whole.

As shown in FIG. 6, circuits in a unit 701, a unit 702, a unit 703, anda unit 704 in the circuit 203 which are surrounded by dashed lines areconnected to the connection terminal 771 through the power gate unit730. For example, the connection terminal 771 is connected to the powerstorage unit 201 illustrated in FIG. 3. Note that a converter may beprovided between the connection terminal 771 and the power storage unit201.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the unit 701 includes thetimer circuit 745, and the I/O interface 746. The unit 702 includes theI/O port 750, the comparator 751, and the I/O interface 752. The unit703 includes the interrupt controller 721, and the I/O interface 722.The unit 704 includes the processor 710, the memory 712, the bus bridge711, and the memory interface 713.

The power gate unit 730 is controlled by the controller 720. The powergate unit 730 includes a switch circuit 731 and a switch circuit 732 forblocking supply of power supply voltage to the units 701 to 704. As thepower supply voltage at this time, a power supply voltage of the powerstorage unit 201 or the like can be used, for example.

The switching of the switch circuits 731 and 732 is controlled by thecontroller 720. Specifically, the controller 720 outputs a signal toturn off some or all of the switches included in the power gate unit730, depending on the request by the processor 710 (power supply stop).In addition, the controller 720 outputs a signal to turn on the switchesincluded in the power gate unit 730 with, as a trigger, the non-maskableinterrupt signal NMI or the interrupt signal T0IRQ from the timercircuit 745 (start of power supply).

FIG. 6 illustrates a structure where two switches (the switches 731 and732) are provided in the power gate unit 730; however, the structure isnot limited thereto. Switches may be provided as much as needed to blocksupply of power.

Here, the switch 731 is provided to individually control supply of powerto the unit 701 and the switch circuit 732 is provided to individuallycontrol supply of power to the units 702 to 704. However, thisembodiment of the present invention is not limited to such a powersupply path. For example, another switch which is not the switch circuit732 may be provided to individually control supply of power to thememory 712. Further, a plurality of switches may be provided for onecircuit.

In addition, a power supply voltage is constantly supplied from theconnection terminal 771 to the controller 720 without passing throughthe power gate unit 730. In order to reduce noise, a power supplypotential from an external power supply circuit, which is different fromthe power supply circuit for the power supply voltage, is given to boththe oscillation circuit of the clock generation circuit 715 and thecrystal oscillation circuit 741.

[2.2. Example of Driving Method]

By provision of the controller 720, the power gate unit 730, and thelike, the circuit 203 can operate in three kinds of operation modes. Thefirst operation mode is a normal operation mode where all circuitsincluded in the circuit 203 are active. Here, the first operation modeis referred to as “Active mode”.

The second and third operation modes are low power consumption modeswhere some of the circuits are active. In the second operation mode, thecontroller 720, the timer circuit 745, and circuits (the crystaloscillation circuit 741 and the I/O interface 746) associated theretoare active. In the third operation mode, only the controller 720 isactive. Here, the second operation mode is referred to as “the Noff1mode” and the third operation mode is referred to as “the Noff2 mode”.Only the controller 720 and some of the peripheral circuits (circuitsnecessary for timer operation) operate in the Noff1 mode and only thecontroller 720 operates in the Noff2 mode.

Note that power is constantly supplied to the oscillator of the clockgeneration circuit 715 and the crystal oscillation circuit 741regardless of the operation modes. In order to bring the clockgeneration circuit 715 and the crystal oscillation circuit 741 intonon-Active modes, an enable signal is inputted from the controller 720or an external circuit to stop oscillation of the clock generationcircuit 715 and the crystal oscillation circuit 741.

In addition, in Noff1 and Noff2 modes, power supply is blocked by thepower gate unit 730, so that the I/O port 750 and the I/O interface 752are non-active, but power is supplied to parts of the I/O port 750 andthe I/O interface 752 in order to allow the external device connected tothe connection terminal 774 to operate normally. Specifically, power issupplied to an output buffer of the I/O port 750 and the register 783 ofthe I/O port 750.

Note that in this specification, the phrase “a circuit is non-active”includes a state where major functions in Active mode (normal operationmode) are stopped and an operation state with power consumption lowerthan that of Active mode, as well as a state that a circuit is stoppedby blocking of power supply.

With the above-described structure, when the charge operation of a powerstorage device is forcibly terminated by a user, for example, a signalto turn off some or all of the switches included in the power gate unit730 can be output depending on the request by the processor 710, and themode can be switched to the Noff1 or Noff2 mode to stop power supply toan unnecessary circuit block.

[2.3. Register]

Further, an example of a structure of the register which can be used ineach circuit block will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B.

[2.3.1. Example of Circuit Configuration]

The register illustrated in FIG. 7A includes a memory circuit 651, amemory circuit 652, and a selector 653.

The memory circuit 651 is supplied with a reset signal RST, a clocksignal CLK, and a data signal D. The memory circuit 651 has a functionof storing data of the data signal D that is input in response to theclock signal CLK and outputting the data as a data signal Q. Forexample, a register such as a buffer register or a general-purposeregister can be used as the memory circuit 651. As the memory circuit651, a cache memory including a static random access memory (SRAM) orthe like can be provided. Data of such a register or a cache memory canbe stored in the memory circuit 652.

The memory circuit 652 is supplied with a write control signal WE, aread control signal RD, and a data signal. For example, the writecontrol signal WE, a read control signal RD, and the like may be inputthrough a terminal.

The memory circuit 652 has a function of storing data of an input datasignal in accordance with the write control signal WE and outputting thestored data as a data signal in accordance with the read control signalRD.

In the selector 653, the data signal D or the data signal output fromthe memory circuit 652 is selected in accordance with the read controlsignal RD, and input to the memory circuit 651.

The memory circuit 652 includes a transistor 631 and a capacitor 632.

The transistor 631, which is an n-channel transistor, functions as aselection transistor. One of a source and a drain of the transistor 631is connected to an output terminal of the memory circuit 651. Further, apower supply potential is supplied to a back gate of the transistor 631.The transistor 631 has a function of controlling the retention of a datasignal output from the memory circuit 651 in accordance with the writecontrol signal WE.

A transistor with low off-state current may be used as the transistor631, for example. As the transistors with low off-state current, atransistor including a channel formation region that includes an oxidesemiconductor with a wider bandgap than that of silicon and issubstantially i-type can be used, for example.

The transistor including the oxide semiconductor can be fabricated insuch a manner that, for example, impurities such as hydrogen or waterare reduced as much as possible and oxygen vacancies are reduced as muchas possible by supply of oxygen.

At this time, the amount of hydrogen that is regarded as a donorimpurity in the channel formation region is preferably reduced to lowerthan or equal to 1×10¹⁹/cm³, further preferably lower than or equal to1×10¹⁸/cm³ by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The off-statecurrent per micrometer of the channel width of the transistor 631 at 25°C. is lower than or equal to 1×10⁻¹⁹ A (100 zA), preferably lower thanor equal to 1×10⁻²² A (100 yA). It is preferable that the off-statecurrent of the transistor be as low as possible; the lowest value of theoff-state current of the transistor is estimated to be about 1×10⁻³⁰A/μm.

The oxide semiconductor can be, for example, an In-based metal oxide, aZn-based metal oxide, an In—Zn-based metal oxide, or an In—Ga—Zn-basedmetal oxide.

One of a pair of electrodes of the capacitor 632 is connected to theother of the source and the drain of the transistor 631, and the otherof the pair of electrodes is supplied with a low power source potentialVSS. The capacitor 632 has a function of holding charge based on data ofa stored data signal. Since the off-state current of the transistor 631is extremely low, the charge in the capacitor 632 is held and thus thedata is stored even when the supply of the power source voltage isstopped.

A transistor 633 is a p-channel transistor. The high power sourcepotential VDD is supplied to one of a source and a drain of thetransistor 633, and the read control signal RD is input to a gate of thetransistor 633.

A transistor 634 is an n-channel transistor. One of a source and a drainof the transistor 634 is connected to the other of the source and thedrain of the transistor 633, and the read control signal RD is input toa gate of the transistor 634.

A transistor 635 is an n-channel transistor. One of a source and a drainof the transistor 635 is connected to the other of the source and thedrain of the transistor 634, and the low power source potential VSS isinput to the other of the source and the drain of the transistor 635.

An input terminal of an inverter 636 is connected to the other of thesource and the drain of the transistor 633. An output terminal of theinverter 636 is connected to the input terminal of the selector 653.

One of a pair of electrodes of a capacitor 637 is connected to the inputterminal of the inverter 636, and the other of the pair of electrodes issupplied with the low power source potential VSS. The capacitor 637 hasa function of holding charge based on data of a data signal input to theinverter 636.

Note that without limitation to the above, the memory circuit 652 mayinclude a phase-change RAM (PRAM), a phase change memory (PCM), aresistive RAM (ReRAM), a magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), or the like. Forthe MRAM, a magnetic tunnel junction element (MTJ element) can be usedfor example.

[2.3.2. Example of Driving Method]

Next, an example of a method for driving the register illustrated inFIG. 7A will be described.

First, in a normal operation period, the register is supplied with thepower supply voltage that is power for the register, the reset signalRST, and the clock signal CLK. At this time, the selector 653 outputsdata of the data signal D to the memory circuit 651. The memory circuit651 stores the data of the data signal D that is input in accordancewith the clock signal CLK. At this time, in response to the read controlsignal RD, the transistor 633 is turned on while the transistor 634 isturned off.

Then, in a backup period provided immediately before the supply of thepower supply voltage is stopped, in accordance with a pulse of the writecontrol signal WE, the transistor 631 is turned on, the data of the datasignal D is stored in the memory circuit 652, and the transistor 631 isturned off. After that, the supply of the clock signal CLK to theregister is stopped, and then, the supply of the reset signal RST to theregister is stopped. Note that when the transistor 631 is on, the backgate of the transistor 631 may be supplied with a positive power supplypotential. At this time, in response to the read control signal RD, thetransistor 633 is turned on while the transistor 634 is turned off.

Next, in a power stop period, the supply of the power supply voltage tothe register is stopped. During this period, the stored data is heldbecause the off-state current of the transistor 631 is low in the memorycircuit 652. Note that the supply of the power supply voltage may bestopped by supplying the ground potential GND instead of the high powersupply potential VDD. For example, the ground potential is suppliedthrough a terminal shown in FIG. 7A. Note that when the transistor 631is off, the back gate of the transistor 631 may be supplied with anegative power supply potential, so that the transistor 631 is kept off.

Then, in a recovery period immediately before a normal operation period,the supply of the power supply voltage to the register is restarted;then, the supply of the clock signal CLK is restarted, and after that,the supply of the reset signal RST is restarted. At this time, beforethe supply of the clock signal CLK is restarted, the wiring which is tobe supplied with the clock signal CLK is set to the high power supplypotential VDD. Moreover, in accordance with a pulse of the read controlsignal RD, the transistor 633 is turned off, the transistor 634 isturned on, and the data signal stored in the memory circuit 652 isoutput to the selector 653. The selector 653 outputs the data signal tothe memory circuit 651 in accordance with a pulse of the read controlsignal RD. Thus, the memory circuit 651 can be returned to a state justbefore the power stop period.

Then, in a normal operation period, normal operation of the memorycircuit 651 is performed again.

The above is an example of the method for driving the registerillustrated in FIG. 7A.

Note that the structure of the register is not limited to thatillustrated in FIG. 7A.

For example, the register illustrated in FIG. 7B has a structure inwhich the transistors 633 and 634, the inverter 636, and the capacitor637 are removed from the register illustrated in FIG. 7A and a selector654 is added to the register illustrated in FIG. 7A. For the samecomponents as those in the register illustrated in FIG. 7A, thedescription of the register in FIG. 7A is referred to as appropriate.

One of the source and the drain of the transistor 635 is connected tothe input terminal of the selector 653.

In the selector 654, the low power supply potential VSS to be data orthe data signal output from the memory circuit 651 is selected inaccordance with the write control signal WE2, and input to the memorycircuit 652.

Next, an example of a method for driving the register illustrated inFIG. 7B will be described.

First, in a normal operation period, the register is supplied with thepower supply voltage, the reset signal RST, and the clock signal CLK. Atthis time, the selector 653 outputs data of the data signal D to thememory circuit 651. The memory circuit 651 stores the data of the datasignal D that is input in accordance with the clock signal CLK. Inaddition, the selector 654 outputs the low power supply potential VSS tothe memory circuit 652 in accordance with the write control signal WE2.In the memory circuit 652, the transistor 631 is turned on in responseto a pulse of the write control signal WE, and the low power supplypotential VSS is stored as data in the memory circuit 652.

Then, in a backup period provided immediately before the supply of thepower source voltage is stopped, the selector 654 does not supply thelow power supply potential VSS but provides electrical conductionbetween the output terminal of the volatile memory circuit 651 and oneof the source and the drain of the transistor 631 in accordance with thewrite control signal WE2. Further, in accordance with a pulse of thewrite control signal WE, the transistor 631 is turned on, the data ofthe data signal D is stored in the memory circuit 652, and thetransistor 631 is turned off. At this time, the data of the memorycircuit 652 is rewritten only when the potential of the data signal D isequal to the high power supply potential VDD. Furthermore, the supply ofthe clock signal CLK to the register is stopped, and then, the supply ofthe reset signal RST to the register is stopped. Note that when thetransistor 631 is on, the back gate of the transistor 631 may besupplied with a positive power supply potential.

Next, in a power stop period, the supply of the power supply voltage tothe register is stopped. During this period, the stored data is held inthe memory circuit 652 because the off-state current of the transistor631 is low. Note that the supply of the power supply voltage may bestopped by supplying the ground potential GND instead of the high powersupply potential VDD. Note that when the transistor 631 is off, the backgate of the transistor 631 may be supplied with a negative power supplypotential from a multiplexer, so that the transistor 631 is kept off.

Then, in a recovery period immediately before a normal operation period,the supply of the power supply voltage to the register is restarted;then, the supply of the clock signal CLK is restarted, and after that,the supply of the reset signal RST is restarted. At this time, beforethe supply of the clock signal CLK is restarted, the wiring which is tobe supplied with the clock signal CLK is set to the high power supplypotential VDD. In accordance with a pulse of the read control signal RD,the selector 653 outputs to the memory circuit 651 the data signalcorresponding to the data stored in the memory circuit 652. Thus, thememory circuit 651 can be returned to a state just before the power stopperiod.

Then, in a normal operation period, normal operation of the memorycircuit 651 is performed again.

The above is an example of the method for driving the registerillustrated in FIG. 7B.

By using the structure illustrated in FIG. 7B, the data of the low powersupply potential VSS does not need to be written in the backup period,resulting in an increase in operation speed.

In the case of using the above-described register in the registers 784to 787, when Active mode shifts to Noff1 or Noff2 mode, prior to theblock of power supply, data stored in the memory circuit 651 of theregisters 784 to 787 is written to the memory circuit 652, so that datain the memory circuit 651 is reset to initial values; as a result,supply of power is blocked.

In the case where Noff1 or Noff2 mode is returned to Active mode, whenpower supply to the registers 784 to 787 is restarted, data in thememory circuit 651 is reset to initial values. Then, data in the memorycircuit 652 is written to the memory circuit 651.

Accordingly, even in the low power consumption mode, data needed forprocessing of the circuit 203 is stored in the registers 784 to 787, andthus, the circuit 203 can return from the low power consumption mode toActive mode immediately. Accordingly, power consumption of the circuit203 can be reduced.

[3. Memory]

An example of a memory available in one embodiment of the presentinvention will be described. The memory can be used in the memory 712 inFIG. 6, for example. A memory including a transistor that uses an oxidefilm can be used as the memory for storing capacity before the shippingof a power storage device (maximum capacity).

[3.1. SRAM]

Here, a static random access memory (SRAM), which is a memory includinga flip-flop to which a circuit of an inverter is applied, will bedescribed.

An SRAM retains data by using a flip-flop. Thus, unlike a dynamic randomaccess memory (DRAM), an SRAM does not require refresh operation.Therefore, power consumption during data retention can be reduced. Inaddition, an SRAM does not require a capacitor and is therefore suitablefor applications where high speed operation is required.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram corresponding to a memory cell of an SRAM inone embodiment of the present invention. Note that FIG. 8 illustratesonly one memory cell; one embodiment of the present invention can alsobe applied to a memory cell array in which a plurality of such memorycells is arranged.

The memory cell illustrated in FIG. 8 includes a transistor Tr1 e, atransistor Tr2 e, a transistor Tr3 e, a transistor Tr4 e, a transistorTr5 e, and a transistor Tr6 e. The transistors Tr1 e and Tr2 e arep-channel transistors. The transistors Tr3 e and Tr4 e are n-channeltransistors. A gate of the transistor Tr1 e is electrically connected toa drain of the transistor Tr2 e, a gate of the transistor Tr3 e, a drainof the transistor Tr4 e, and one of a source and a drain of thetransistor Tr6 e. VDD is supplied to a source of the transistor Tr1 e. Adrain of the transistor Tr1 e is electrically connected to a gate of thetransistor Tr2 e, a drain of the transistor Tr3 e, and one of a sourceand a drain of the transistor Tr5 e. VDD is supplied to a source of thetransistor Tr2 e. GND is supplied to a source of the transistor Tr3 e. Aback gate of the transistor Tr3 e is electrically connected to a backgate line BGL. GND is supplied to a source of the transistor Tr4 e. Aback gate of the transistor Tr4 e is electrically connected to the backgate line BGL. A gate of the transistor Tr5 e is electrically connectedto a word line WL. The other of the source and the drain of thetransistor Tr5 e is electrically connected to a bit line BLB. A gate ofthe transistor Tr6 e is electrically connected to the word line WL. Theother of the source and the drain of the transistor Tr6 c iselectrically connected to a bit line BL.

Here, shown is an example where n-channel transistors are used as thetransistors Tr5 e and Tr6 e. However, the transistors Tr5 e and Tr6 eare not limited to n-channel transistors and may be p-channeltransistors. In that case, writing, retaining, and reading methodsdescribed below may be changed as appropriate.

Thus, a flip-flop has a structure in which an inverter including thetransistors Tr1 e and Tr3 e and an inverter including the transistorsTr2 e and Tr4 e are connected in a ring.

The p-channel transistors may be, but are not limited to, transistorsincluding silicon, for example. The n-channel transistors may each bethe transistor including an oxide film described later.

Here, the transistors Tr3 e and Tr4 e may each be the transistorincluding an oxide film. In addition, with an extremely low off-statecurrent, the transistor has an extremely low flow-through current.

Note that instead of the p-channel transistors, n-channel transistorsmay be applied to the transistors Tr1 e and Tr2 e. In the case wheren-channel transistors are used as the transistors Tr1 e and Tr2 e,depletion transistors may be employed.

Writing, retaining, and reading operation of the memory cell illustratedin FIG. 8 will be described below.

In writing, first, a potential corresponding to data 0 or data 1 isapplied to the bit line BL and the bit line BLB.

For example, in the case where data 1 is to be written, the high powersupply potential VDD is applied to the bit line BL and the groundpotential GND is applied to the bit line BLB. Then, a potential (VH)higher than or equal to the sum of the high power supply potential VDDand the threshold voltage of the transistors Tr5 e and Tr6 e is appliedto the word line WL.

Next, the potential of the word line WL is set to be lower than thethreshold voltage of the transistors Tr5 e and Tr6 e, whereby the data 1written to the flip-flop is retained. In the case of the SRAM, a currentflowing during retention of data is only the leakage current of thetransistors. Here, when the above-described transistor with lowoff-state current is applied to some of the transistors in the SRAM,stand-by power for retaining data is reduced.

In reading, the high power supply potential VDD is applied to the bitline BL and the bit line BLB in advance. Then, the VH is applied to theword line WL, so that the bit line BLB is discharged through thetransistors Tr5 e and Tr3 e to be equal to the ground potential GND,while the potential of the bit line BL is kept at the high power supplypotential VDD. The potential difference between the bit line BL and thebit line BLB is amplified by a sense amplifier (not illustrated),whereby the retained data 1 can be read.

In the case where data 0 is to be written, the ground potential GND isapplied to the bit line BL and the high power supply potential VDD isapplied to the bit line BLB; then, the VH is applied to the word lineWL. Next, the potential of the word line WL is set to be lower than thethreshold voltage of the transistors Tr5 e and Tr6 c, whereby the data 0written to the flip-flop is retained. In reading, the high power supplypotential VDD is applied to the bit line BL and the bit line BLB inadvance. Then, the VH is applied to the word line WL, so that the bitline BL is discharged through the transistors Tr6 e and Tr4 c to beequal to the ground potential GND, while the potential of the bit lineBLB is kept at the high power supply potential VDD. The potentialdifference between the bit line BL and the bit line BLB is amplified bythe sense amplifier, whereby the retained data 0 can be read.

In the above-described manner, an SRAM with low stand-by power can beprovided.

[3.2. DOSRAM]

A transistor including an oxide film in one embodiment of the presentinvention can have extremely low off-state current. That is, thetransistor has electrical characteristics in which leakage of chargethrough the transistor is unlikely to occur. As a memory to which atransistor having such electrical characteristics is applied and whichincludes a memory element that is superior in function to a known memoryelement, a dynamic oxide semiconductor random access memory (DOSRAM)will be described below. DOSRAM is a memory that uses theabove-described transistor with low off-state current as a selectiontransistor (a transistor serving as a switching element) of a memorycell.

First, the memory will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.9A and 9B. FIG. 9A is a circuit diagram showing a memory cell array ofthe memory. FIG. 9B is a circuit diagram of a memory cell.

The memory cell array in FIG. 9A includes a plurality of memory cells1050, a plurality of bit lines 1051, a plurality of word lines 1052, aplurality of capacitor lines 1053, and a plurality of sense amplifiers1054.

Note that the bit lines 1051 and the word lines 1052 are provided in agrid pattern, and the memory cell 1050 is provided for each intersectionof the bit line 1051 and the word line 1052. The bit lines 1051 areconnected to the sense amplifiers 1054, which have a function of readingthe potentials of the bit lines 1051 as data.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the memory cell 1050 includes a transistor 1055 anda capacitor 1056. A gate of the transistor 1055 is electricallyconnected to the word line 1052. A source of the transistor 1055 iselectrically connected to the bit line 1051. A drain of the transistor1055 is electrically connected to one terminal of the capacitor 1056.The other terminal of the capacitor 1056 is electrically connected tothe capacitor line 1053.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a memory. The memory illustrated inFIG. 10 includes a plurality of layers of memory cell arrays (memorycell arrays 3400 a to 3400 n (n is an integer greater than or equal to2)) each including a plurality of memory cells as memory circuits in theupper portion, and a logic circuit 3004 which is necessary for operatingthe memory cell arrays 3400 a to 3400 n, in the lower portion.

A voltage retained in the capacitor 1056 gradually decreases with timedue to leakage through the transistor 1055. A voltage originally chargedfrom V0 to V1 is decreased with time to VA that is a limit for readingout data 1. This period is called a retention period T_1. In the case ofa two-level memory cell, refresh operation needs to be performed withinthe retention period T_1.

For example, in the case where the off-state current of the transistor1055 is not sufficiently small, the retention period T_1 becomes shortbecause the voltage retained in the capacitor 1056 significantly changeswith time. Accordingly, refresh operation needs to be frequentlyperformed. An increase in frequency of refresh operation increases powerconsumption of the memory.

Since the off-state current of the transistor 1055 is extremely small inthis embodiment, the retention period T_1 can be made extremely long. Inother words, the frequency of refresh operation can be reduced; thus,power consumption can be reduced. For example, in the case where amemory cell is formed using the transistor 1055 having an off-statecurrent of 1×10⁻²¹ A to 1×10⁻²⁵ A, data can be retained for several daysto several decades without supply of electric power.

As described above, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention, a memory with high degree of integration and low powerconsumption can be provided.

[3.3. NOSRAM]

Next, a non-volatile oxide semiconductor random access memory (NOSRAM)is described as a memory that is different from the memories shown inFIG. 8 and FIG. 10. NOSRAM is a memory that uses the transistor with lowoff-state current as a selection transistor of a memory cell (atransistor serving as a switching element) and a transistor including asilicon material or the like as an output transistor of the memory cell.

FIG. 11A is a circuit diagram showing a memory cell and wirings includedin the memory. FIG. 11B is a graph showing the electricalcharacteristics of the memory cell in FIG. 11A.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the memory cell includes a transistor 1071, atransistor 1072, and a capacitor 1073. Here, a gate of the transistor1071 is electrically connected to a word line 1076. A source of thetransistor 1071 is electrically connected to a source line 1074. A drainof the transistor 1071 is electrically connected to a gate of thetransistor 1072 and one terminal of the capacitor 1073, and this portionis referred to as a node 1079. A source of the transistor 1072 iselectrically connected to a source line 1075. A drain of the transistor1072 is electrically connected to a drain line 1077. The other terminalof the capacitor 1073 is electrically connected to a capacitor line1078.

The memory illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B utilizes variation in theapparent threshold voltage of the transistor 1072, which depends on thepotential of the node 1079. For example, FIG. 11B shows a relationbetween a voltage V_(CL) of the capacitor line 1078 and a drain currentI_(d) _(_) 2 flowing through the transistor 1072.

Note that the potential of the node 1079 can be controlled through thetransistor 1071. For example, the potential of the source line 1074 isset to a high power supply potential VDD. In this case, when thepotential of the word line 1076 is set to be higher than or equal to thesum of the high power supply potential VDD and the threshold voltage Vthof the transistor 1071, the potential of the node 1079 can be HIGH.Further, when the potential of the word line 1076 is set to be lowerthan or equal to the threshold voltage Vth of the transistor 1071, thepotential of the node 1079 can be LOW.

Thus, the transistor 1072 has electrical characteristics shown witheither a V_(CL)-I_(d) _(_) 2 curve denoted as LOW or a V_(CL)-I_(d) _(_)2 curve denoted as HIGH. That is, when the potential of the node 1079 isLOW, I_2 is small at a V_(CL) of 0 V; accordingly, data 0 is stored.Further, when the potential of the node 1079 is HIGH, I_(d) _(_) 2 islarge at a V_(CL) of 0 V; accordingly, data 1 is stored. In this manner,data can be stored.

By using the transistor with low off-state current as the transistor1071, data retention time can be lengthened. The transistor 1072prevents loss of data in data reading and thereby enables repetitivedata reading.

[4. Coulomb Counter]

Here, a coulomb counter that measures and outputs charge-dischargecapacity of a power storage device in the unit of coulomb will bedescribed.

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram of a configuration example of a coulombcounter. The coulomb counter includes a resistor 250, an amplifiercircuit 251, a voltage-current converter circuit 252, and an integratingcircuit 253. The coulomb counter has a function of determining theamount of electric charges output from the power storage unit 201 thatis a measurement target, on the basis of a current Is flowing throughthe resistor 250. The power storage unit 201 is connected to ahigh-potential terminal 254 and a low-potential terminal 255.

The amplifier circuit 251 has functions of amplifying a voltage betweentwo input terminals and outputting the amplified voltage. When thecurrent Is flows, a voltage Vs (=Is×Rs) is generated across the resistor250. The voltage Vs is applied between a non-inverting input terminaland an inverting input terminal of the amplifier circuit 251. Theamplifier circuit 251 has a function of amplifying the voltage Vs togenerate a voltage Va. The voltage Va is proportional to the voltage Vs.

The voltage-current converter circuit 252 (V/I) has functions ofconverting an input voltage into a current and outputting the current.Here, the voltage-current converter circuit 252 converts the voltage Vainto a current Ic. The current Ic is proportional to the voltage Va.

The integrating circuit 253 has a function of generating a signal inaccordance with electric charges Qc supplied by the input current Ic.The integrating circuit 253 includes a transistor 256, a transistor 257,a capacitor 258, and a comparator 259.

The transistor 256 functions as a switch to control connection between aterminal of the capacitor 258 (a node 260) and an output of thevoltage-current converter circuit 252. On/off of the transistor 256 iscontrolled by a signal CON input to a gate of the transistor 256.

The transistor 257 functions as a switch to connect the node 260 and anode 261 to which a reference voltage VREF3 is input. Thus, thetransistor 257 can function as a reset circuit that resets a voltage Vcat the node 260. On/off of the transistor 257 is controlled by a signalSET input to a gate of the transistor 257. While the transistor 257 ison, the node 260 is connected to the node 261, and thus the voltage Vcis constant and is equal to the reference voltage VREF3 if voltage dropdue to the transistor 257 or the like is ignored.

A circuit for resetting the potential of the node 260 (the transistor257) is provided as needed.

The transistor 256 and the capacitor 258 have a function of asample-and-hold circuit. When the transistor 256 is turned on, thecurrent Ic is input to the node 260 from the voltage-current convertercircuit 252, so that the capacitor 258 is charged (sampling operation).When the transistor 257 is turned off, the node 260 is brought into anelectrically floating state so that electric charges Qc are held in thecapacitor 258 (holding operation).

The voltage Vc at the node 260 is proportional to the electric chargesQc held in the capacitor 258 and the electric charges Qc areproportional to the current Ic; thus, data corresponding to the amountof electric charges flowing through the resistor 250 can be obtainedfrom the output signal from the node 260 (the voltage Vc) or a signalcorresponding to the voltage Vc. Thus, the charge capacity or remainingcapacity of the power storage unit 201 can be obtained from such asignal.

The voltage Vc is output as an output signal OUT from the coulombcounter through the comparator 259. A non-inverting input terminal ofthe comparator 259 is connected to the node 260 (the terminal of thecapacitor 258), and a potential VREF1 is input to an inverting inputterminal of the comparator 259. The comparator 259 outputs a signal OUTat a high level when the voltage Vc is higher than a reference voltage,and outputs the signal OUT at a low level when the voltage Vc is lowerthan the reference voltage.

As the comparator 259, a hysteresis comparator with high noise immunityis preferably used. The use of a hysteresis comparator allows preventionof frequent switching of the potential of the output signal OUT due toan influence of noise.

Although in the integrating circuit 253, the comparator 259 is used asan analog circuit that generates a signal corresponding to the voltageVc, such an analog circuit is not limited to the comparator 259. Forexample, an analog-digital converter circuit, an amplifier circuit, orthe like can be used as such an analog circuit.

An output signal of the coulomb counter is not limited to the outputsignal OUT from the comparator 259. For example, the voltage Vc at thenode 260 can be output as a signal. In this case, an amplifier circuitis connected to the node 260 so that an amplified voltage of theamplifier circuit can be output as the output signal.

With the use of this coulomb counter, the capacity of the power storageunit in the power storage device can be determined. In particular, inthe case of using an active material that exhibits two-phase reaction ina positive electrode of the power storage unit, owing to the plateauregion in the potential variations, the capacity of the power storageunit cannot be obtained by measurement of the voltage of the powerstorage unit. Therefore, the above-described coulomb counter capable ofmeasuring the charge capacity is appropriate, for that case.

[5. Structural Example of Semiconductor Device]

Structural examples of a semiconductor device used in theabove-described control circuit, the memory, the coulomb counter, andthe like will be described.

[5.1. Structure of Transistor]

First, examples of the structure of a transistor that can be used in thesemiconductor device are described.

Note that the structure of the transistor is not particularly limitedand can be selected as appropriate. As the structure of the transistor,a staggered type or a planar type having a bottom gate structure whichis described below can be employed. The transistor may have asingle-gate structure in which one channel formation region is formed ora multi-gate structure such as a double-gate structure in which twochannel formation regions are formed or a triple-gate structure in whichthree channel formation regions are formed. In addition, the transistormay have a structure in which two gate electrodes are provided above andbelow a channel formation region with gate insulating films providedtherebetween (in this specification, this structure is referred to as adual-gate structure).

[5.1.1. Bottom-Gate Structure]

FIGS. 13A to 13C illustrate a structural example of a transistor 421having a bottom-gate top-contact structure, which is one kind ofbottom-gate transistor. FIG. 13A is a plan view of the transistor 421.FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view taken along the long dashed shortdashed line A1-A2 in FIG. 13A. FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional view takenalong the long dashed short dashed line B1-B2 in FIG. 13A.

The transistor 421 includes a gate electrode 401 provided over asubstrate 400 having an insulating surface, a gate insulating film 402provided over the gate electrode 401, an oxide film 404 overlapping withthe gate electrode 401 with the gate insulating film 402 providedtherebetween, and a source electrode 405 a and a drain electrode 405 bprovided in contact with the oxide film 404. In addition, an insulatingfilm 406 is provided so as to cover the source electrode 405 a and thedrain electrode 405 b and be in contact with the oxide film 404. Notethat the substrate 400 may be a substrate over which another element isformed.

Note that in the oxide film 404, a region in contact with the sourceelectrode 405 a and a region in contact with the drain electrode 405 bmay include an n-type region 403.

[5.1.2. Top-Gate Structure]

FIG. 14A illustrates a transistor 422 having a top-gate structure.

The transistor 422 includes an insulating film 408 provided over asubstrate 400 having an insulating surface, an oxide film 404 providedover the insulating film 408, a source electrode 405 a and a drainelectrode 405 b provided in contact with the oxide film 404, a gateinsulating film 409 provided over the oxide film 404, the sourceelectrode 405 a, and the drain electrode 405 b, and a gate electrode 410overlapping with the oxide film 404 with the gate insulating film 409provided therebetween.

Note that in the oxide film 404, a region in contact with the sourceelectrode 405 a and a region in contact with the drain electrode 405 bmay include an n-type region 403.

[5.1.3. Dual-Gate Structure]

FIG. 14B illustrates a transistor 423 having a dual-gate structure,which includes two gate electrodes above and below a channel formationregion with gate insulating films provided therebetween.

The transistor 423 includes a gate electrode 401 provided over asubstrate 400 having an insulating surface, a gate insulating film 402provided over the gate electrode 401, an oxide film 404 overlapping withthe gate electrode 401 with the gate insulating film 402 providedtherebetween, a source electrode 405 a and a drain electrode 405 bprovided in contact with the oxide film 404, a gate insulating film 409covering the source electrode 405 a and the drain electrode 405 b and incontact with the oxide film 404, and a gate electrode 410 overlappingwith the oxide film 404 with the gate insulating film 409 providedtherebetween.

Note that in the oxide film 404, a region in contact with the sourceelectrode 405 a and a region in contact with the drain electrode 405 bmay include an n-type region 403.

[5.2. Components of Transistor]

Components of the transistors will be described.

[5.1.2. Conductive Layer]

As the gate electrode 401 and the gate electrode 410, a layer includingAl, Cr, Cu, Ta, Ti, Mo, W, or the like can be used, for example.

As the source electrode 405 a and the drain electrode 405 b, a layerincluding Al, Cr, Cu, Ta, Ti, Mo, W, or the like can be used, forexample.

[5.2.2. Insulating Layer]

As the gate insulating film 402, the insulating film 406, and the gateinsulating film 409, a silicon oxide film, a silicon oxynitride film, asilicon nitride oxide film, a silicon nitride film, a gallium oxidefilm, an aluminum oxide film, an aluminum nitride film, or an aluminumoxynitride film can be used.

[5.2.3. Oxide Film]

Next, a material that can be used as the oxide film 404 is described.

[5.2.3.1. Single-Layer Film]

The oxide film 404 can be an In-based metal oxide film, a Zn-based metaloxide film, an In—Zn-based metal oxide film, an In—Ga—Zn-based metaloxide film, or the like, for example.

Alternatively, a metal oxide including another metal element instead ofpart or all of Ga in the In—Ga—Zn-based metal oxide may be used. As theaforementioned another metal element, a metal element that is capable ofbeing bonded to oxygen atoms more than gallium is can be used, forexample, and specifically one or more elements of titanium, zirconium,hafnium, germanium, and tin can be used, for instance. Alternatively, asthe aforementioned another metal element, one or more elements oflanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, europium,gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium,and lutetium may be used. These metal elements have a function as astabilizer. Note that the amount of such a metal element added isdetermined so that the metal oxide can function as a semiconductor. Whena metal element that is capable of being bonded to oxygen atoms morethan gallium is used and oxygen is supplied to a metal oxide, oxygendefects in the metal oxide can be reduced.

Specifically, the concentration of hydrogen in the oxide film can belower than or equal to 2×10²⁰ atoms/cm³, preferably lower than or equalto 5×10¹⁹ atoms/cm³, further preferably lower than or equal to 1×10¹⁹atoms/cm³, still further preferably lower than or equal to 5×10¹⁸atoms/cm³ in secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS).

The concentration of nitrogen in the oxide film can be lower than 5×10¹⁹atoms/cm³, preferably lower than or equal to 5×10¹⁸ atoms/cm³, furtherpreferably lower than or equal to 1×10¹⁸ atoms/cm³, still furtherpreferably lower than or equal to 5×10¹⁷ atoms/cm³ in SIMS.

The concentration of carbon in the oxide film can be lower than 5×10¹⁹atoms/cm³, preferably lower than or equal to 5×10¹⁸ atoms/cm³, furtherpreferably lower than or equal to 1×10¹⁸ atoms/cm³, still furtherpreferably lower than or equal to 5×10¹⁷ atoms/cm³ in SIMS.

The concentration of silicon in the oxide film can be lower than 5×10¹⁹atoms/cm³, preferably lower than or equal to 5×10¹⁸ atoms/cm³, furtherpreferably lower than or equal to 1×10¹⁸ atoms/cm³, still furtherpreferably lower than or equal to 5×10¹⁷ atoms/cm³.

The amount of each of the following gas molecules (atoms) released fromthe oxide film is preferably less than or equal to 1×10¹⁹/cm³, andfurther preferably less than or equal to 1×10¹⁸/cm³, by thermaldesorption spectroscopy (TDS) analysis: a gas molecule (atom) having amass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of 2 (e.g., hydrogen molecule), a gasmolecule (atom) having a m/z of 18, a gas molecule (atom) having a m/zof 28, and a gas molecule (atom) having a m/z of 44.

For example, an oxide semiconductor film can be used as the oxide film404.

As described in this embodiment, an oxide is provided in contact with anoxide semiconductor to form an oxide stack including the oxidesemiconductor and the oxide, whereby it is possible to prevent animpurity such as hydrogen or moisture or an impurity contained in aninsulating film in contact with the oxide semiconductor from enteringthe oxide semiconductor film and forming a carrier.

The use of the oxide stack in the transistor makes it possible todecrease the off-state current of the transistor. This transistorincluding the oxide stack can be used as the transistor with lowoff-state current.

As described above, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention, a memory with high degree of integration and low powerconsumption can be provided.

[6. Power Storage Device]

As an example of a power storage device, a nonaqueous secondary batterytypified by a lithium-ion secondary battery is described.

[6.1. Positive Electrode]

First, a positive electrode of the power storage device is describedwith reference to FIGS. 15A and 15B.

A positive electrode 6000 includes a positive electrode currentcollector 6001 and a positive electrode active material layer 6002formed over the positive electrode current collector 6001 by a coatingmethod, a CVD method, a sputtering method, or the like, for example.Although an example of providing the positive electrode active materiallayer 6002 on both surfaces of the positive electrode current collector6001 with a sheet shape (or a strip-like shape) is illustrated in FIG.15A, one embodiment of the present invention is not limited to thisexample. The positive electrode active material layer 6002 may beprovided on one of the surfaces of the positive electrode currentcollector 6001. Further, although the positive electrode active materiallayer 6002 is provided entirely over the positive electrode currentcollector 6001 in FIG. 15A, one embodiment of the present invention isnot limited thereto. The positive electrode active material layer 6002may be provided over part of the positive electrode current collector6001. For example, a structure may be employed in which the positiveelectrode active material layer 6002 is not provided in a portion wherethe positive electrode current collector 6001 is connected to a positiveelectrode tab.

The positive electrode current collector 6001 can be formed using amaterial that has high conductivity and is not alloyed with a carrierion of lithium or the like, such as stainless steel, gold, platinum,zinc, iron, copper, aluminum, or titanium, an alloy thereof, or thelike. Alternatively the positive electrode current collector 6001 can beformed using an aluminum alloy to which an element which improves heatresistance, such as silicon, titanium, neodymium, scandium, ormolybdenum, is added. Further alternatively, the positive electrodecurrent collector 6001 may be formed using a metal element which formssilicide by reacting with silicon. Examples of the metal element whichforms silicide by reacting with silicon are zirconium, titanium,hafnium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten,cobalt, and nickel. The positive electrode current collector 6001 canhave a foil shape, a plate (sheet) shape, a net shape, a punching-metalshape, an expanded-metal shape, or the like as appropriate. The positiveelectrode current collector 6001 preferably has a thickness of greaterthan or equal to 10 μm and less than or equal to 30 μm.

FIG. 15B is a schematic view illustrating the longitudinalcross-sectional view of the positive electrode active material layer6002. The positive electrode active material layer 6002 includesparticles of the positive electrode active material 6003, graphene 6004as a conductive additive, and a binder 6005.

Examples of the conductive additive are acetylene black (AB), ketjenblack, graphite (black lead) particles, and carbon nanotubes in additionto graphene described later. Here, the positive electrode activematerial layer 6002 using the graphene 6004 is described as an example.

The positive electrode active material 6003 is in the form of particlesmade of secondary particles having average particle diameter andparticle diameter distribution, which is obtained in such a way thatmaterial compounds are mixed at a predetermined ratio and baked and theresulting baked product is crushed, granulated, and classified by anappropriate means. For this reason, the positive electrode activematerial 6003 is schematically illustrated as spheres in FIG. 15B;however, the shape of the positive electrode active material 6003 is notlimited to this shape.

As the positive electrode active material 6003, a material into/fromwhich carrier ions such as lithium ions can be inserted and extracted isused.

For example, an olivine-type material (General formula: LiMPO₄; M is oneor more of Fe(II), Mn(II), Co(II), and Ni(II)) can be used. Typicalexamples of the general formula LiMPO₄ which can be used as a positiveelectrode active material are lithium compounds such as LiFePO₄,LiNiPO₄, LiCoPO₄, LiMnPO₄, LiFe_(a)Ni_(b)PO₄, LiFe_(a)Co_(b)PO₄,LiFe_(a)Mn_(b)PO₄, LiNi_(a)Co_(b)PO₄, LiNi_(a)Mn_(b)PO₄ (a+b≦1, 0<a<1,and 0<b<1), LiFe_(c)Ni_(d)Co_(e)PO₄, LiFe_(c)Ni_(d)Mn_(e)PO₄,LiNi_(c)Co_(d)Mn_(e)PO₄ (c+d+e≦1, 0<c<1, 0<d<1, and 0<e<1), andLiFe_(f)Ni_(g)Co_(h)Mn_(i)PO₄ (f+g+h+i≦1, 0<f<1, 0<g<1, 0<h<1, and0<i<1).

Alternatively, a composite oxide such as Li(_(2-j))MSiO₄ (generalformula) (M is one or more of Fe(I), Mn(II), Co(II), and Ni(II); 0≦j≦2))can be used. Typical examples of the general formula Li(_(2-j))MSiO₄which can be used as a positive electrode active material are compoundssuch as Li(_(2-j))FeSiO₄, Li(_(2-j))NiSiO₄, Li(_(2-j))CoSiO₄,Li(_(2-j))MnSiO₄, Li(_(2-j))Fe_(k)Ni_(l)SiO₄,Li(_(2-j))Fe_(k)Co_(l)SiO₄, Li(_(2-j))Fe_(k)Mn_(l)SiO₄,Li(_(2-j))Ni_(k)Co_(l)SiO₄, Li(_(2-j))Ni_(k)Mn_(l)SiO₄ (k+l≦1, 0<k<1,and 0<l<1), Li(_(2-j))Fe_(m)Ni_(n)Co_(q)SiO₄,Li(_(2-j))Fe_(m)Ni_(n)Mn_(q)SiO₄, Li(_(2-j))Ni_(m)Co_(n)Mn_(q)SiO₄(m+n+q≦1, 0<m<1, 0<n<1, and 0<q<1), andLi(_(2-j))Fe_(r)Ni_(s)Co_(t)Mn_(u)SiO₄ (r+s+t+u≦1, 0<r<1, 0<s<1, 0<t<1,and 0<u<1).

Further alternatively, any of the following lithium-containing materialswith a layered rock-salt crystal structure can be used: lithium cobaltoxide (LiCoO₂); LiNiO₂; LiMnO₂; Li₂MnO₃; a NiCo-containing material(general formula: LiNi_(x)Co_(1-x)O₂ (0<x<1)) such asLiNi_(0.8)Co_(0.2)O₂; a NiMn-containing material (general formula:LiNi_(x)Mn_(1-x)O₂ (0<x<1)) such as LiNi_(0.5)Mn_(0.5)O₂; and aNiMnCo-containing material (also referred to as NMC) (general formula:LiNi_(x)Mn_(y)Co_(1-x-y)O₂ (x>0, y>0, and x+y<1)) such asLiNi_(1/3)Mn_(1/3)Co_(1/3)O₂.

Still further alternatively, for the positive electrode active material6003, any of other various compounds, such as an active material havinga spinel crystal structure (e.g., LiMn₂O₄) and an active material havingan inverse spinel crystal structure (e.g., LiMVO₄) can be used.

In the case where carrier ions are alkali metal ions other than lithiumions or alkaline-earth metal ions, the following may be used as thepositive electrode active material 6003: a compound or oxide which isobtained by substituting an alkali metal (e.g., sodium or potassium) oran alkaline-earth metal (e.g., calcium, strontium, barium, beryllium, ormagnesium) for lithium in any of the above-described compounds oroxides.

Note that although not illustrated, a carbon layer may be provided on asurface of the positive electrode active material 6003. With a carbonlayer, conductivity of an electrode can be increased. The positiveelectrode active material 6003 can be coated with the carbon layer bymixing a carbohydrate such as glucose at the time of baking the positiveelectrode active material.

In addition, the graphene 6004 which is added to the positive electrodeactive material layer 6002 as a conductive additive can be formed byperforming reduction treatment on graphene oxide.

Here, graphene in this specification includes single-layer graphene ormultilayer graphene including two to a hundred layers. The single-layergraphene refers to a sheet of one atomic layer of carbon moleculeshaving a bonds. Further, graphene oxide in this specification refers toa compound formed by oxidation of graphene. When graphene oxide isreduced to form graphene, oxygen contained in the graphene oxide is notentirely extracted and part of the oxygen remains in the graphene insome cases. When the graphene contains oxygen, the ratio of the oxygenmeasured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in the graphene ishigher than or equal to 2 atomic % and lower than or equal to 20 atomic%, preferably higher than or equal to 3 atomic % and lower than or equalto 15 atomic %.

In the case of multilayer graphene including graphene obtained byreducing graphene oxide, the interlayer distance of the graphene isgreater than or equal to 0.34 nm and less than or equal to 0.5 nm,preferably greater than or equal to 0.38 nm and less than or equal to0.42 nm, further preferably greater than or equal to 0.39 nm and lessthan or equal to 0.41 nm. In general graphite, the interlayer distanceof single-layer graphene is 0.34 nm. Since the interlayer distance inthe graphene used for the power storage device of one embodiment of thepresent invention is longer than that in the general graphite, carrierions can easily transfer between layers of the graphene in themultilayer graphene.

Graphene oxide can be formed by an oxidation method called a Hummersmethod, for example.

The Hummers method is as follows: a sulfuric acid solution of potassiumpermanganate, a hydrogen peroxide solution, and the like are mixed intoa graphite powder to cause oxidation reaction; thus, a dispersion liquidincluding graphite oxide is formed. Through the oxidation of carbon ingraphite, functional groups such as an epoxy group, a carbonyl group, acarboxyl group, or a hydroxyl group are bonded in the graphite oxide.Accordingly, the interlayer distance between a plurality of pieces ofgraphene in the graphite oxide is longer than that in the graphite, sothat the graphite oxide can be easily separated into thin pieces byinterlayer separation. Then, ultrasonic vibration is applied to themixed solution containing the graphite oxide, so that the graphite oxidewhose interlayer distance is long can be cleaved to separate grapheneoxide and to form a dispersion liquid containing graphene oxide. Thesolvent is removed from the dispersion liquid containing the grapheneoxide, so that powdery graphene oxide can be obtained.

Note that the method for forming graphene oxide is not limited to theHummers method using a sulfuric acid solution of potassium permanganate;for example, the Hummers method using nitric acid, potassium chlorate,nitric acid sodium, potassium permanganate, or the like or a method forforming graphene oxide that does not use the Hummers method may beemployed as appropriate.

Graphite oxide may be separated into thin pieces by application ofultrasonic vibration, by irradiation with microwaves, radio waves, orthermal plasma, or by application of physical stress.

The formed graphene oxide includes an epoxy group, a carbonyl group, acarboxyl group, a hydroxyl group, or the like. Oxygen in a functionalgroup of graphene oxide is negatively charged in a polar solventtypified by NMP (also referred to as N-methylpyrrolidone,1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, or the like); therefore,while interacting with NMP, the graphene oxide repels other grapheneoxide and is hardly aggregated. For this reason, in a polar solvent,graphene oxide can be easily dispersed uniformly.

The length of one side (also referred to as a flake size) of thegraphene oxide is greater than or equal to 50 nm and less than or equalto 100 μm, preferably greater than or equal to 800 nm and less than orequal to 20 μm.

As illustrated in the cross-sectional view of the positive electrodeactive material layer 6002 in FIG. 15B, the plurality of particles ofthe positive electrode active material 6003 is coated with a pluralityof pieces of the graphene 6004. The sheet-like graphene 6004 isconnected to the plurality of particles of the positive electrode activematerial 6003. In particular, since the graphene 6004 has the sheetshape, surface contact can be made in such a way that part of surfacesof the particles of the positive electrode active material 6003 arewrapped with the graphene 6004. Unlike a conductive additive in the formof particles such as acetylene black, which makes point contact with apositive electrode active material, the graphene 6004 is capable ofsurface contact with low contact resistance; accordingly, the electricconductivity between the particles of the positive electrode activematerial 6003 and the graphene 6004 can be improved without an increasein the amount of a conductive additive.

Further, surface contact is made between the plurality of pieces of thegraphene 6004. This is because graphene oxide with extremely highdispersibility in a polar solvent is used for the formation of thegraphene 6004. The solvent is removed by volatilization from adispersion medium in which the graphene oxide is uniformly dispersed,and the graphene oxide is reduced to give graphene; hence, pieces of thegraphene 6004 remaining in the positive electrode active material layer6002 are partly overlapped with each other and dispersed such thatsurface contact is made, thereby forming a path for electric conduction.

Further, some pieces of the graphene 6004 are arrangedthree-dimensionally between the particles of the positive electrodeactive material 6003. Furthermore, the graphene 6004 is an extremelythin film (sheet) made of a single layer of carbon molecules or stackedlayers thereof and hence is in contact with part of the surfaces of theparticles of the positive electrode active material 6003 in such a wayas to cover and fit these surfaces. A portion of the graphene 6004 whichis not in contact with the particles of the positive electrode activematerial 6003 is warped between the plurality of particles of thepositive electrode active material 6003 and crimped or stretched.

Consequently, a network for electric conduction is formed in thepositive electrode 6000 by the pieces of the graphene 6004. Therefore, apath for electric conduction between the particles of the positiveelectrode active material 6003 is maintained. As described above, thegraphene, which is formed by forming a paste using graphene oxide as araw material and reducing the paste, is used as a conductive additive,which enables the positive electrode active material layer 6002 to havehigh electric conductivity.

The ratio of the positive electrode active material 6003 in the positiveelectrode active material layer 6002 can be increased because it is notnecessary to increase the added amount of the conductive additive inorder to increase contact points between the positive electrode activematerial 6003 and the graphene 6004. Accordingly, the discharge capacityof the secondary battery can be increased.

The average particle diameter of the primary particle of the positiveelectrode active material 6003 is less than or equal to 500 nm,preferably greater than or equal to 50 nm and less than or equal to 500nm. To make surface contact with the plurality of particles of thepositive electrode active material 6003, the length of one side of thegraphene 6004 is greater than or equal to 50 nm and less than or equalto 100 μm, preferably greater than or equal to 800 nm and less than orequal to 20 μm.

Examples of the binder included in the positive electrode activematerial layer 6002 are polyimide, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylchloride, ethylene-propylene-diene polymer, styrene-butadiene rubber,acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, fluorine rubber, polyvinyl acetate,polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene, and nitrocellulose, in additionto polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) which is a typical example.

The above-described positive electrode active material layer 6002preferably includes the positive electrode active material 6003 atgreater than or equal to 90 wt % and less than or equal to 94 wt %, thegraphene 6004 as the conductive additive at greater than or equal to 1wt % and less than or equal to 5 wt %, and the binder at greater than orequal to 1 wt % and less than or equal to 5 wt % with respect to thetotal weight of the positive electrode active material layer 6002.

[6.2. Negative Electrode]

Next, a negative electrode of the power storage device is described withreference to FIGS. 16A and 16B.

A negative electrode 6100 includes a negative electrode currentcollector 6101 and a negative electrode active material layer 6102formed over the negative electrode current collector 6101 by a coatingmethod, a CVD method, a sputtering method, or the like, for example.Although an example of providing the negative electrode active materiallayer 6102 on both surfaces of the negative electrode current collector6101 with a sheet shape (or a strip-like shape) is illustrated in FIG.16A, one embodiment of the present invention is not limited to thisexample. The negative electrode active material layer 6102 may beprovided on one of the surfaces of the negative electrode currentcollector 6101. Further, although the negative electrode active materiallayer 6102 is provided entirely over the negative electrode currentcollector 6101 in FIG. 16A, one embodiment of the present invention isnot limited thereto. The negative electrode active material layer 6102may be provided over part of the negative electrode current collector6101. For example, a structure may be employed in which the negativeelectrode active material layer 6102 is not provided in a portion wherethe negative electrode current collector 6101 is connected to a negativeelectrode tab.

The negative electrode current collector 6101 can be formed using amaterial which has high conductivity and is not alloyed with carrierions such as lithium ions, such as stainless steel, gold, platinum,zinc, iron, copper, or titanium, an alloy thereof, or the like.Alternatively, the negative electrode current collector 6101 may beformed using a metal element which forms silicide by reacting withsilicon. Examples of the metal element which forms silicide by reactingwith silicon are zirconium, titanium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium,tantalum, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, cobalt, and nickel. Thenegative electrode current collector 6101 can have a foil shape, a plate(sheet) shape, a net shape, a punching-metal shape, an expanded-metalshape, or the like as appropriate. The negative electrode currentcollector 6101 preferably has a thickness of greater than or equal to 10μm and less than or equal to 30 μm.

FIG. 16B is a schematic view of part of a cross-section of the negativeelectrode active material layer 6102. Although an example of thenegative electrode active material layer 6102 including the negativeelectrode active material 6103 and the binder 6105 is shown here, oneembodiment of the present invention is not limited to this example. Itis sufficient that the negative electrode active material layer 6102includes at least the negative electrode active material 6103.

There is no particular limitation on the material of the negativeelectrode active material 6103 as long as it is a material with which ametal can be dissolved and precipitated or a material into/from whichmetal ions can be inserted and extracted. Other than a lithium metal,graphite, which is a carbon material generally used in the field ofpower storage, can also be used as the negative electrode activematerial 6103. Examples of graphite are low crystalline carbon such assoft carbon and hard carbon and high crystalline carbon such as naturalgraphite, kish graphite, pyrolytic carbon, mesophase pitch based carbonfiber, meso-carbon microbeads (MCMB), mesophase pitches, andpetroleum-based or coal-based coke.

As the negative electrode active material 6103, other than the abovecarbon materials, an alloy-based material which enables charge-dischargereaction by alloying and dealloying reaction with carrier ions can beused. In the case where carrier ions are lithium ions, for example, amaterial containing at least one of Mg, Ca, Al, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, As, Sb,Bi, Ag, Au, Zn, Cd, Hg, In, etc. can be used as the alloy-basedmaterial. Such metals have higher capacity than graphite. In particular,silicon has a significantly high theoretical capacity of 4200 mAh/g. Forthis reason, silicon is preferably used as the negative electrode activematerial 6103.

Although the negative electrode active material 6103 is illustrated as aparticulate substance in FIG. 16B, the shape of the negative electrodeactive material 6103 is not limited thereto. The negative electrodeactive material 6103 can have a given shape such as a plate shape, a rodshape, a cylindrical shape, a powder shape, or a flake shape. Further,the negative electrode active material 6103 may have a three-dimensionalshape such as unevenness on a surface with a plate shape, fineunevenness on a surface, or a porous shape.

The negative electrode active material layer 6102 may be formed by acoating method in such a manner that a conductive additive (notillustrated) and the binder 6105 are added to the negative electrodeactive material 6103 to form a negative electrode paste and the negativeelectrode paste is applied onto the negative electrode current collector6101 and dried.

Note that the negative electrode active material layer 6102 may bepredoped with lithium. As a predoping method, a sputtering method may beused to form a lithium layer on a surface of the negative electrodeactive material layer 6102. Alternatively, the negative electrode activematerial layer 6102 can be predoped with lithium by providing lithiumfoil on the surface thereof.

Further, graphene (not illustrated) is preferably formed on a surface ofthe negative electrode active material 6103. In the case of usingsilicon as the negative electrode active material 6103, the volume ofsilicon is greatly changed due to occlusion and release of carrier ionsin charge-discharge cycles. Therefore, adhesion between the negativeelectrode current collector 6101 and the negative electrode activematerial layer 6102 is decreased, resulting in degradation of batterycharacteristics caused by charging and discharging. In view of this,graphene is preferably formed on a surface of the negative electrodeactive material 6103 containing silicon because even when the volume ofsilicon is changed in charge-discharge cycles, decrease in adhesionbetween the negative electrode current collector 6101 and the negativeelectrode active material layer 6102 can be regulated, which makes itpossible to reduce degradation of battery characteristics.

Graphene formed on the surface of the negative electrode active material6103 can be formed by reducing graphene oxide in a similar manner tothat of the method for forming the positive electrode. As the grapheneoxide, the above-described graphene oxide can be used.

Further, a coating film 6104 of oxide or the like may be formed on thesurface of the negative electrode active material 6103. A coating film(solid electrolyte interphase (SET)) formed by decomposition of anelectrolyte solution in charging cannot release electric charges used atthe time of forming the coating film, and therefore forms irreversiblecapacity. In contrast, the coating film 6104 of oxide or the likeprovided on the surface of the negative electrode active material 6103in advance can reduce or prevent generation of irreversible capacity.

As the coating film 6104 coating the negative electrode active material6103, an oxide film of any one of niobium, titanium, vanadium, tantalum,tungsten, zirconium, molybdenum, hafnium, chromium, aluminum, andsilicon or an oxide film containing any one of these elements andlithium can be used. The coating film 6104 is denser than a conventionalcoating film formed on a surface of a negative electrode due to adecomposition product of an electrolyte solution.

For example, niobium oxide (Nb₂O₅) has a low electron conductivity of10⁻⁹ S/cm and a high insulating property. For this reason, a niobiumoxide film inhibits electrochemical decomposition reaction between thenegative electrode active material and the electrolyte solution. On theother hand, niobium oxide has a lithium diffusion coefficient of 10⁻⁹cm²/sec and high lithium ion conductivity. Therefore, niobium oxide cantransmit lithium ions.

A sol-gel method can be used to coat the negative electrode activematerial 6103 with the coating film 6104, for example. The sol-gelmethod is a method for forming a thin film in such a manner that asolution of metal alkoxide, a metal salt, or the like is changed into agel, which has lost its fluidity, by hydrolysis reaction andpolycondensation reaction and the gel is baked. Since a thin film isformed from a liquid phase in the sol-gel method, raw materials can bemixed uniformly on the molecular scale. For this reason, by adding anegative electrode active material such as graphite to a raw material ofthe metal oxide film which is a solvent, the active material can beeasily dispersed into the gel. In such a manner, the coating film 6104can be formed on the surface of the negative electrode active material6103.

A decrease in the capacity of the power storage device can be preventedby using the coating film 6104 and performing the above-describedcharging with intermittent discharging.

[6.3. Electrolyte Solution]

As a solvent for the electrolyte solution used in the power storagedevice, an aprotic organic solvent is preferably used. For example, oneof ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), butylenecarbonate, chloroethylene carbonate, vinylene carbonate,γ-butyrolactone, γ-valerolactone, dimethyl carbonate (DMC), diethylcarbonate (DEC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), methyl formate, methylacetate, methyl butyrate, 1,3-dioxane, 1,4-dioxane, dimethoxyethane(DME), dimethyl sulfoxide, diethyl ether, methyl diglyme, acetonitrile,benzonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, sulfolane, and sultone can be used, ortwo or more of these solvents can be used in an appropriate combinationin an appropriate ratio.

With the use of a gelled high-molecular material as the solvent for theelectrolyte solution, safety against liquid leakage and the like isimproved. Further, the power storage device can be thinner and morelightweight. Typical examples of gelled high-molecular materials are asilicone gel, an acrylic gel, an acrylonitrile gel, polyethylene oxide,polypropylene oxide, and a fluorine-based polymer.

Alternatively, the use of one or more of ionic liquids (room temperaturemolten salts) which are less likely to burn and volatilize as thesolvent for the electrolyte solution can prevent the power storagedevice from exploding or catching fire even when the power storagedevice internally shorts out or the internal temperature increases dueto overcharging or the like.

In the case of using a lithium ion as a carrier ion, examples of anelectrolyte dissolved in the above-described solvent are one of lithiumsalts such as LiPF₆, LiClO₄, LiAsF₆, LiBF₄, LiAlCl₄, LiSCN, LiBr, LiI,Li₂SO₄, Li₂B₁₀Cl₁₀, Li₂B₁₂Cl₁₂, LiCF₃SO₃, LiC₄F₉SO₃, LiC(CF₃SO₂)₃,LiC(C₂F₅SO₂)₃, LiN(CF₃SO₂)₂, LiN(C₄F₉SO₂) (CF₃SO₂), and LiN(C₂F₅SO₂)₂,or two or more of these lithium salts in an appropriate combination inan appropriate ratio.

[6.4. Separator]

As the separator of the power storage device, a porous insulator such ascellulose, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polybutene, nylon,polyester, polysulfone, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinylidene fluoride, ortetrafluoroethylene can be used. Further, nonwoven fabric of a glassfiber or the like, or a diaphragm in which a glass fiber and a polymerfiber are mixed may also be used.

[6.5. Nonaqueous Secondary Battery]

Next, structures of nonaqueous secondary batteries are described withreference to FIGS. 17A to 17C and FIGS. 18A and 18B.

[6.5.1. Coin-Type Secondary Battery]

FIG. 17A is an external view of a coin-type (single-layer flat type)lithium-ion secondary battery, including a cross-sectional view of thelaminated lithium-ion secondary battery.

In a coin-type secondary battery 950, a positive electrode can 951serving also as a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrodecan 952 serving also as a negative electrode terminal are insulated andsealed with a gasket 953 formed of polypropylene or the like. A positiveelectrode 954 includes a positive electrode current collector 955 and apositive electrode active material layer 956 which is provided to be incontact with the positive electrode current collector 955. A negativeelectrode 957 includes a negative electrode current collector 958 and anegative electrode active material layer 959 which is provided to be incontact with the negative electrode current collector 958. A separator960 and an electrolyte solution (not illustrated) are provided betweenthe positive electrode active material layer 956 and the negativeelectrode active material layer 959.

The negative electrode 957 includes the negative electrode activematerial layer 959 over the negative electrode current collector 958.The positive electrode 954 includes the positive electrode activematerial layer 956 over the positive electrode current collector 955.

As the positive electrode 954, the negative electrode 957, the separator960, and the electrolyte solution, the above-described materials can beused.

For the positive electrode can 951 and the negative electrode can 952, ametal having corrosion resistance to the electrolyte solution, such asnickel, aluminum, or titanium, an alloy of such a metal, or an alloy ofsuch a metal and another metal (e.g., stainless steel) can be used.Alternatively, the positive electrode can 951 and the negative electrodecan 952 are preferably covered with nickel, aluminum, or the like inorder to prevent corrosion by the electrolyte solution. The positiveelectrode can 951 and the negative electrode can 952 are electricallyconnected to the positive electrode 954 and the negative electrode 957,respectively.

The negative electrode 957, the positive electrode 954, and theseparator 960 are immersed in the electrolyte solution. Then, asillustrated in FIG. 17A, the positive electrode can 951, the positiveelectrode 954, the separator 960, the negative electrode 957, and thenegative electrode can 952 are stacked in this order with the positiveelectrode can 951 positioned at the bottom, and the positive electrodecan 951 and the negative electrode can 952 are subjected to pressurebonding with the gasket 953 provided therebetween. In such a manner, thecoin-type secondary battery 950 is manufactured.

[6.5.2. Thin Secondary Battery]

Next, an example of a thin secondary battery will be described withreference to FIG. 17B. In FIG. 17B, a structure inside the laminatedsecondary battery is partly exposed for convenience.

A thin secondary battery 970 illustrated in FIG. 17B includes a positiveelectrode 973 including a positive electrode current collector 971 and apositive electrode active material layer 972, a negative electrode 976including a negative electrode current collector 974 and a negativeelectrode active material layer 975, a separator 977, an electrolytesolution (not illustrated), and an exterior body 978. The separator 977is provided between the positive electrode 973 and the negativeelectrode 976 in the exterior body 978. The exterior body 978 is filledwith the electrolyte solution. Although one positive electrode 973, onenegative electrode 976, and one separator 977 are used in FIG. 17B, thesecondary battery may have a stacked-layer structure in which positiveelectrodes, negative electrodes, and separators are alternately stacked.

For the positive electrode, the negative electrode, the separator, andthe electrolyte solution (an electrolyte and a solvent), theabove-described members can be used.

In the thin secondary battery 970 illustrated in FIG. 17B, the positiveelectrode current collector 971 and the negative electrode currentcollector 974 also serve as terminals (tabs) for an electrical contactwith the outside. For this reason, the positive electrode currentcollector 971 and the negative electrode current collector 974 each havea part exposed outside the exterior body 978.

As the exterior body 978 in the thin secondary battery 970, for example,a stacked film having a three-layer structure in which a highly flexiblemetal thin film of aluminum, stainless steel, copper, nickel, or thelike is provided over a film formed of a material such as polyethylene,polypropylene, polycarbonate, ionomer, or polyamide, and an insulatingsynthetic resin film of a polyamide-based resin, a polyester-basedresin, or the like is provided as the outer surface of the exterior bodyover the metal thin film can be used. With such a three-layer structure,permeation of the electrolyte solution and a gas can be blocked and aninsulating property and resistance to the electrolyte solution can beobtained.

[6.5.3. Cylindrical Secondary Battery]

Next, an example of a cylindrical secondary battery is described withreference to FIGS. 18A and 18B. As illustrated in FIG. 18A, acylindrical secondary battery 980 includes a positive electrode cap(battery lid) 981 on the top surface and a battery can (outer can) 982on the side surface and bottom surface. The positive electrode cap 981and the battery can (outer can) 982 are insulated by the gasket 990(insulating packing).

FIG. 18B is a schematic view of a cross-section of the cylindricalsecondary battery. Inside the battery can 982 having a hollowcylindrical shape, a battery element in which a strip-like positiveelectrode 984 and a strip-like negative electrode 986 are wound with astripe-like separator 985 provided therebetween is provided. Althoughnot illustrated, the battery element is wound around a center pin. Thebattery can 982 is closed at one end and opened at the other end.

For the positive electrode 984, the negative electrode 986, and theseparator 985, the above-described members can be used.

For the battery can 982, a metal having corrosion resistance to anelectrolyte solution, such as nickel, aluminum, or titanium, an alloy ofsuch a metal, or an alloy of such a metal and another metal (e.g.,stainless steel or the like) can be used. Alternatively, the battery can982 is preferably covered with nickel, aluminum, or the like in order toprevent corrosion caused by the electrolyte solution. Inside the batterycan 982, the battery element in which the positive electrode, thenegative electrode, and the separator are wound is provided between apair of insulating plates 988 and 989 which face each other.

Further, an electrolyte solution (not illustrated) is injected insidethe battery can 982 in which the battery element is provided. For theelectrolyte solution, the above-described electrolyte and solvent can beused.

Since the positive electrode 984 and the negative electrode 986 of thecylindrical secondary battery are wound, active material layers areformed on both sides of the current collectors. A positive electrodeterminal (positive electrode current collecting lead) 983 is connectedto the positive electrode 984, and a negative electrode terminal(negative electrode current collecting lead) 987 is connected to thenegative electrode 986. Both the positive electrode terminal 983 and thenegative electrode terminal 987 can be formed using a metal materialsuch as aluminum. The positive electrode terminal 983 and the negativeelectrode terminal 987 are resistance-welded to a safety valve mechanism992 and the bottom of the battery can 982, respectively. The safetyvalve mechanism 992 is electrically connected to the positive electrodecap 981 through a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) element 991.The safety valve mechanism 992 cuts off electrical connection betweenthe positive electrode cap 981 and the positive electrode 984 when theinternal pressure of the battery increases and exceeds a predeterminedthreshold value. The PTC element 991 is a heat sensitive resistor whoseresistance increases as temperature rises, and controls the amount ofcurrent by increase in resistance to prevent abnormal heat generation.Barium titanate (BaTiO₃)-based semiconductor ceramic or the like can beused for the PTC element.

[6.5.4. Rectangular Secondary Battery]

Next, an example of a rectangular secondary battery is described withreference to FIG. 17C. A wound body 993 illustrated in FIG. 17C includesa negative electrode 994, a positive electrode 995, and a separator 996.The wound body 993 is obtained by winding a sheet of a stack in whichthe negative electrode 994 overlaps with the positive electrode 995 withthe separator 996 provided therebetween. The wound body 993 is coveredwith a rectangular sealed can or the like; thus, a rectangular secondarybattery is manufactured. Note that the number of stacks each includingthe negative electrode 994, the positive electrode 995, and theseparator 996 may be determined as appropriate depending on capacity andan element volume which are required.

As in the cylindrical secondary battery, the negative electrode 994 isconnected to a negative electrode tab (not illustrated) through one of aterminal 997 and a terminal 998, and the positive electrode 995 isconnected to a positive electrode tab (not illustrated) through theother of the terminal 997 and the terminal 998. Surrounding structuressuch as a safety valve mechanism are similar to those in the cylindricalsecondary battery.

As described above, although the coin-type secondary battery, the thin(laminated) secondary battery, the cylindrical secondary battery, andthe rectangular secondary battery are described as examples of thesecondary battery, secondary batteries having other shapes can be used.Further, a structure in which a plurality of positive electrodes, aplurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of separators arestacked or wound may be employed.

[6.6. Power Storage Device Including Electric Circuit and the Like]

Next, a power storage device including an electric circuit and the likeis described.

FIGS. 19A to 19D illustrate an example of a power storage device inwhich the above-described rectangular secondary battery is provided withan electric circuit and the like. In a power storage device 6600illustrated in FIGS. 19A and 19B, a wound body 6601 is stored inside abattery can 6604. The wound body 6601 includes a terminal 6602 and aterminal 6603, and is impregnated with an electrolyte solution insidethe battery can 6604. It is preferable that the terminal 6603 be incontact with the battery can 6604, and the terminals 6602 be insulatedfrom the battery can 6604 with the use of an insulating member or thelike. A metal material such as aluminum or a resin material can be usedfor the battery can 6604.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 19B, the power storage device 6600 canbe provided with an electric circuit and the like. FIGS. 19C and 19Dillustrate an example of providing the power storage device 6600 with acircuit board 6606 in which an electric circuit and the like areprovided, an antenna 6609, an antenna 6610, and a label 6608.

The circuit board 6606 includes an electric circuit 6607, terminals6605, and the like. As the circuit board 6606, a printed circuit board(PCB) can be used, for example. When the printed circuit board is usedas the circuit board 6606, electronic components such as a resistor, acapacitor, a coil (an inductor), and a semiconductor integrated circuit(IC) are mounted over the printed circuit board and connected, wherebythe electric circuit 6607 can be formed. As well as the above-describedelectronic components, a variety of components, for example, atemperature sensing element such as a thermistor, a fuse, a filter, acrystal oscillator, and an electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) componentcan be mounted.

Here, a circuit including the above-described transistor in which anoxide semiconductor is used in a channel formation region and the likecan be used as the semiconductor integrated circuit (IC). Thus, powerconsumption of the electric circuit 6607 can be greatly reduced.

The electric circuit 6607 including these electronic components canfunction as a monitoring circuit for preventing overcharge oroverdischarge of the power storage device 6600, a protection circuitagainst overcurrent, or the like. The electric circuit 6607 can beprovided with the circuit 203 illustrated in FIG. 3, for example. Notethat the converter 202 illustrated in FIG. 3 may be provided in thepower storage device 6600.

The terminals 6605 included in the circuit board 6606 are connected tothe terminal 6602, the terminal 6603, the antenna 6609, the antenna6610, and the electric circuit 6607. Although the number of theterminals is five in FIGS. 19C and 19D, the number is not limitedthereto, and may be an arbitrary number. With the use of the terminals6605, the power storage device 6600 can be charged and discharged, andfurther, a signal can be sent and received to/from an electricalappliance including the power storage device 6600.

The antenna 6609 and the antenna 6610 can be used for transmitting andreceiving electric power and a signal to/from the outside of the powerstorage device, for example. One or both of the antenna 6609 and theantenna 6610 are electrically connected to the electric circuit 6607 toallow the electric circuit 6607 to control the transmission andreception of electric power and a signal to/from the outside.Alternatively, one or both of the antenna 6609 and the antenna 6610 areelectrically connected to the terminals 6605 to allow a control circuitof the electrical appliance including the power storage device 6600 tocontrol the transmission and reception of electric power and a signalto/from the outside.

Note that although FIGS. 19C and 19D illustrate an example of the powerstorage device 6600 provided with two kinds of antennas, a variety ofantennas may be provided or a structure where an antenna is not providedmay be employed.

In FIGS. 19C and 19D, the antenna 6609 and the antenna 6610 each have acoil shape; however, without limitation thereon, a linear antenna or aflat plate antenna may be used, for example. Further, a planar antenna,an aperture antenna, a traveling-wave antenna, an EH antenna, amagnetic-field antenna, or a dielectric antenna may be used.

Note that an electromagnetic induction method, a magnetic resonancemethod, an electric wave method, or the like can be used fortransmitting and receiving electric power wirelessly (also referred toas contactless power transmission, non-contact power transmission,wireless power supply, or the like).

The line width of the antenna 6609 is preferably larger than that of theantenna 6610. This makes it possible to increase the amount of electricpower received by the antenna 6609.

In addition, a layer 6611 is provided between the antennas 6609 and 6610and the power storage device 6600. The layer 6611 has a function ofpreventing shielding of an electric field or a magnetic field due to thewound body 6601, for example. In this case, a magnetic substance can beused for the layer 6611, for example. Alternatively, the layer 6611 maybe a shielding layer.

Note that the antenna 6609 and the antenna 6610 can be used for apurpose which is different from the purpose of transmitting andreceiving electric power or a signal to/from the outside. For example,when the electrical appliance including the power storage device 6600does not include an antenna, the antenna 6609 and the antenna 6610enable wireless communication with the electrical appliance.

[7. Electrical Appliance]

The power storage device of one embodiment of the present invention canbe used as a power supply in a variety of electrical appliances.

[7.1. Range of Electrical Appliances]

Here, “electrical appliances” refer to all general industrial productsincluding portions which operate by electric power. Electricalappliances are not limited to consumer products such as home electricalproducts and also include products for various uses such as businessuse, industrial use, and military use in their category.

[7.2. Examples of Electrical Appliance]

Examples of electrical appliances each using the power storage device ofone embodiment of the present invention are as follows: display devicesof televisions, monitors, and the like, lighting devices, desktoppersonal computers, laptop personal computers, word processors, imagereproduction devices which reproduce still images or moving imagesstored in recording media such as digital versatile discs (DVDs),portable or stationary music reproduction devices such as compact disc(CD) players and digital audio players, portable or stationary radioreceivers, recording reproduction devices such as tape recorders and ICrecorders (voice recorders), headphone stereos, stereos, remotecontrols, clocks such as table clocks and wall clocks, cordless phonehandsets, transceivers, mobile phones, car phones, portable orstationary game machines, pedometers, calculators, portable informationterminals, electronic notebooks, e-book readers, electronic translators,audio input devices such as microphones, cameras such as still camerasand video cameras, toys, electric shavers, electric toothbrushes,high-frequency heating appliances such as microwave ovens, electric ricecookers, electric washing machines, electric vacuum cleaners, waterheaters, electric fans, hair dryers, air-conditioning systems such ashumidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners, dishwashers, dishdryers, clothes dryers, futon dryers, electric refrigerators, electricfreezers, electric refrigerator-freezers, freezers for preserving DNA,flashlights, electric power tools, smoke detectors, and a healthequipment and a medical equipment such as hearing aids, cardiacpacemakers, portable X-ray equipments, radiation counters, electricmassagers, and dialyzers. The examples also include industrial equipmentsuch as guide lights, traffic lights, meters such as gas meters andwater meters, belt conveyors, elevators, escalators, automatic vendingmachines, automatic ticket machine, cash dispensers (CD), automatedteller machines (ATM), digital signage, industrial robots, radio relaystations, mobile phone base stations, power storage systems, and powerstorage device for leveling the amount of power supply and smart grid.In addition, moving objects (transporters) driven by an electric motorusing electric power from a power storage device are also included inthe category of the electrical appliances. Examples of the movingobjects are electric vehicles (EV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) whichinclude both an internal-combustion engine and a motor, plug-in hybridelectric vehicles (PHEV), tracked vehicles in which caterpillar tracksare substituted for wheels of these vehicles, agricultural machines,motorized bicycles including motor-assisted bicycles, motorcycles,electric wheelchairs, electric carts, boats or ships, submarines,aircrafts such as fixed-wing aircraft and rotary-wing aircraft, rockets,artificial satellites, space probes, planetary probes, and spacecrafts.

In the electrical appliances, the power storage device of one embodimentof the present invention can be used as a main power supply for almostthe whole power consumption. Alternatively, in the electricalappliances, the power storage device of one embodiment of the presentinvention can be used as an uninterruptible power source which cansupply power to the electrical appliances when the supply of power fromthe main power power supply or a commercial power supply is stopped.Further alternatively, in the electrical appliances, the power storagedevice of one embodiment of the present invention can be used as anauxiliary power supply for supplying electric power to the electricalappliances at the same time as the power supply from the main powersupply or a commercial power supply.

[7.3. Example of Electric Power Network]

The electrical appliances may each include a power storage device, ormay be connected wirelessly or with a wiring to at least one powerstorage device and a control device that controls the electric powersystem to form an electric network (electric power network). Theelectric network controlled by the control device can improve usageefficiency of electric power in the whole network.

FIG. 20A illustrates an example of a home energy management system(HEMS) in which a plurality of home appliances, a control device, apower storage device, and the like are connected in a house. Such asystem makes it possible to check easily the power consumption of thewhole house. In addition, the plurality of home appliances can beoperated with a remote control. Further, automatic control of the homeappliances with a sensor or the control device can also contribute tolow power consumption.

A panelboard 8003 set in a house 8000 is connected to an electric powersystem 8001 through a service wire 8002. The panelboard 8003 supplies ACpower which is electric power supplied from a commercial power supplythrough the service wire 8002 to each of the plurality of homeappliances. A control device 8004 is connected to the panelboard 8003and also connected to the plurality of home appliances, a power storagesystem 8005, a solar power generation system 8006, and the like.Further, the control device 8004 can also be connected to an electricvehicle 8012 which is parked outside the house 8000 or the like andoperates independently of the panelboard 8003.

The control device 8004 connects the panelboard 8003 to the plurality ofhome appliances to form a network, and controls the plurality of homeappliances connected to the network.

In addition, the control device 8004 is connected to Internet 8011 andthus can be connected to a management server 8013 through the Internet8011. The management server 8013 receives data on the status of electricpower usage of users and therefore can create a database and can providethe users with a variety of services based on the database. Further, asneeded, the management server 8013 can provide the users with data onelectric power charge for a corresponding time zone, for example. On thebasis of the data, the control device 8004 can set an optimized usagepattern in the house 8000.

Examples of the plurality of home appliances are a display device 8007,a lighting device 8008, an air-conditioning system 8009, and an electricrefrigerator 8010 which are illustrated in FIG. 20A. However, theplurality of home appliances are not limited to these examples, andrefer to a variety of electrical appliances which can be set inside ahouse, such as the above-described electrical appliances.

In a display portion of the display device 8007, a semiconductor displaydevice such as a liquid crystal display device, a light-emitting deviceincluding a light-emitting element, e.g., an organic electroluminescent(EL) element, in each pixel, an electrophoretic display device, adigital micromirror device (DMD), a plasma display panel (PDP), or afield emission display (FED) is provided, for example. A display devicefunctioning as a display device for displaying information, such as adisplay device for TV broadcast reception, a personal computer,advertisement, and the like, is included in the category of the displaydevice 8007.

The lighting device 8008 includes an artificial light source whichgenerates light artificially by utilizing electric power in itscategory. Examples of the artificial light source are an incandescentlamp, a discharge lamp such as a fluorescent lamp, and a light-emittingelement such as a light emitting diode (LED) and an organic EL element.Although being provided on a ceiling in FIG. 20A, the lighting device8008 may be installation lighting provided on a wall, a floor, a window,or the like or desktop lighting.

The air-conditioning system 8009 has a function of adjusting an indoorenvironment such as temperature, humidity, and air cleanliness. FIG. 20Aillustrates an air conditioner as an example. The air conditionerincludes an indoor unit in which a compressor, an evaporator, and thelike are integrated and an outdoor unit (not illustrated) in which acondenser is incorporated, or an integral unit thereof.

The electric refrigerator 8010 is an electrical appliance for thestorage of food and the like at low temperature and includes a freezerfor freezing at 0° C. or lower. A refrigerant in a pipe which iscompressed by a compressor absorbs heat when vaporized, and thus insidethe electric refrigerator 8010 is cooled.

The plurality of home appliances may each include a power storage deviceor may use electric power supplied from the power storage system 8005 orthe commercial power supply without including the power storage device.By using a power storage device as an uninterruptible power supply, theplurality of home appliances each including the power storage device canbe used even when electric power cannot be supplied from the commercialpower supply due to power failure or the like.

In the vicinity of a terminal for power supply in each of theabove-described home appliances, an electric power sensor such as acurrent sensor can be provided. Data obtained with the electric powersensor is sent to the control device 8004, which makes it possible forusers to check the used amount of electric power of the whole house. Inaddition, on the basis of the data, the control device 8004 candetermine the distribution of electric power supplied to the pluralityof home appliances, resulting in the efficient or economical use ofelectric power in the house 8000.

In a time zone when the usage rate of electric power which can besupplied from the commercial power supply is low, the power storagesystem 8005 can be charged with electric power from the commercial powersupply. Further, with the use of the solar power generation system 8006,the power storage system 8005 can be charged during the daytime. Notethat an object to be charged is not limited to the power storage system8005, and a power storage device included in the electric vehicle 8012and the power storage devices included in the plurality of homeappliances which are connected to the control device 8004 may each bethe object to be charged.

Electric power stored in a variety of power storage devices in such amanner is efficiently distributed by the control device 8004, resultingin the efficient or economical use of electric power in the house 8000.

As an example of controlling an electric power network, the example ofcontrolling an electric power network on a house scale is describedabove; however, the scale of the electric power network is not limitedthereto. An electric power network on an urban scale or a national scale(also referred to as a smart grid) can be created by a combination of acontrol device such as a smart meter and a communication network.Further, a microgrid which is on a scale of a factory or an office andincludes an energy supply source and a plant consuming electric power asunits can be constructed.

[7.4. Example of Electrical Appliance (Electric Vehicle)]

Next, as an example of the electrical appliances, a moving object isdescribed with reference to FIGS. 20B and 20C. The power storage deviceof one embodiment of the present invention can be used as a powerstorage device for controlling the moving object.

FIG. 20B illustrates an example of a structure inside an electricvehicle. An electric vehicle 8020 includes a power storage device 8024that can be charged and discharged. Output of electric power of thepower storage device 8024 is adjusted by an electronic control unit(ECU) 8025 so that the electric power is supplied to a drive motor unit8027 through an inverter unit 8026. The inverter unit 8026 can convertDC power input from the power storage device 8024 into three phase ACpower, can adjust the voltage, current, and frequency of the convertedAC power, and can output the AC power to the drive motor unit 8027.

Thus, when a driver presses an accelerator pedal (not illustrated), thedrive motor unit 8027 works, so that torque generated in the drive motorunit 8027 is transferred to rear wheels (drive wheels) 8030 through anoutput shaft 8028 and a drive shaft 8029. Front wheels 8023 are operatedfollowing the rear wheels 8030, whereby the electric vehicle 8020 can bedriven.

Sensors such as a voltage sensor, a current sensor, and a temperaturesensor are provided in each of the units to monitor physical values ofeach part of the electric vehicle 8020, as appropriate.

The electronic control unit 8025 is a processing device including amemory such as a RAM or a ROM, and a CPU, which are not illustrated. Theelectronic control unit 8025 outputs a control signal to the inverterunit 8026, the drive motor unit 8027, or the power storage device 8024on the basis of operational information of the electric vehicle 8020(e.g., acceleration, deceleration, or a stop), temperature informationof a driving environment or each unit, control information, or inputdata on the state of charge (SOC) of the power storage device or thelike. Various data and programs are stored in the memory.

As the drive motor unit 8027, a DC motor can be used instead of the ACmotor, or a combination of either of these motors and aninternal-combustion engine can be used.

Note that it is needless to say that one embodiment of the presentinvention is not limited to the moving object described above as long asthe power storage device of one embodiment of the present invention isincluded.

The power storage device 8024 included in the electric vehicle 8020 canbe charged by being supplied with electric power through externalcharging equipment by a plug-in system, a contactless power supplysystem, or the like. FIG. 20C illustrates the state where the powerstorage device 8024 included in the electric vehicle 8020 is chargedwith the use of a ground-based charging apparatus 8021 through a cable8022. In charging, a given method such as CHAdeMO (registered trademark)or Combined Charging System may be employed as a charging method, thestandard of a connector, or the like as appropriate. The chargingapparatus 8021 may be a charging station provided in a commerce facilityor a power source in a house. For example, with the use of a plug-intechnique in which a connecting plug 8031 illustrated in FIG. 20B andconnected to the power storage device 8024 is electrically connected tothe charging apparatus 8021, the power storage device 8024 included inthe electric vehicle 8020 can be charged by being supplied with electricpower from outside. The power storage device 8024 can be charged byconverting external electric power into DC constant voltage having apredetermined voltage level through a converter such as an AC-DCconverter.

Further, although not illustrated, a power receiving device may beincluded in the moving object to charge the power storage device bysupplying electric power from an above-ground power transmitting devicein a contactless manner. In the case of the contactless power supplysystem, by fitting the power transmitting device in a road or anexterior wall, charging can be performed not only when the electricvehicle is stopped but also when driven. In addition, the contactlesspower supply system may be utilized to perform transmission/receptionbetween moving objects. Furthermore, a solar cell may be provided in anexterior of the moving object to charge the power storage device 8024when the electric vehicle is stopped or driven. To supply electric powerin such a contactless manner, an electromagnetic induction method or amagnetic resonance method can be used.

Note that in the case where the moving object is an electric railwayvehicle, a power storage device included therein can be charged by beingsupplied with electric power from an overhead cable or a conductor rail.

With the use of the power storage device of one embodiment of thepresent invention as the power storage device 8024, the power storagedevice 8024 can have favorable cycle characteristics and improvedconvenience. When the power storage device 8024 itself can be morecompact and more lightweight as a result of improved characteristics ofthe power storage device 8024, the electric vehicle can be lightweightand fuel efficiency can be increased. Further, the power storage device8024 included in the moving object has relatively large capacity;therefore, the power storage device 8024 can be used as an electricpower supply source for indoor use, for example. In such a case, the useof a commercial power supply can be avoided at peak time of electricpower demand.

[7.5. Example of Electrical Appliance (Portable Information Terminal)]

In addition, as another example of the electrical appliances, a portableinformation terminal is described with reference to FIGS. 21A to 21C.

FIG. 21A is a perspective view illustrating a front surface and a sidesurface of a portable information terminal 8040. The portableinformation terminal 8040 is capable of executing a variety ofapplications such as mobile phone calls, e-mailing, viewing and editingtexts, music reproduction, Internet communication, and a computer game.In the portable information terminal 8040, a housing 8041 includes adisplay portion 8042, a camera lens 8045, a microphone 8046, and aspeaker 8047 on its front surface, a button 8043 for operation on itsleft side, and a connection terminal 8048 on its bottom surface.

A display module or a display panel is used for the display portion8042. Examples of the display module or the display panel are alight-emitting device in which each pixel includes a light-emittingelement typified by an organic light-emitting element (OLED); a liquidcrystal display device; an electronic paper performing a display in anelectrophoretic mode, an electronic liquid powder (registered trademark)mode, or the like; a digital micromirror device (DMD); a plasma displaypanel (PDP); a field emission display (FED); a surface conductionelectron-emitter display (SED); a light-emitting diode (LED) display; acarbon nanotube display; a nanocrystal display; and a quantum dotdisplay.

The portable information terminal 8040 illustrated in FIG. 21A is anexample of providing the one display portion 8042 in the housing 8041;however, one embodiment of the present invention is not limited to thisexample. The display portion 8042 may be provided on a rear surface ofthe portable information terminal 8040. Further, the portableinformation terminal 8040 may be a foldable portable informationterminal in which two or more display portions are provided.

A touch panel with which data can be input by an instruction means suchas a finger or a stylus is provided as an input means on the displayportion 8042. Therefore, icons 8044 displayed on the display portion8042 can be easily operated by the instruction means. Since the touchpanel is provided, a region for a keyboard on the portable informationterminal 8040 is not needed and thus the display portion can be providedin a large region. Further, since data can be input with a finger or astylus, a user-friendly interface can be obtained. Although the touchpanel may be of any of various types such as a resistive type, acapacitive type, an infrared ray type, an electromagnetic inductiontype, and a surface acoustic wave type, the resistive type or thecapacitive type is particularly preferable because the display portion8042 according to the present invention can be curved. Furthermore, sucha touch panel may be what is called an in-cell touch panel, in which atouch panel is integral with the display module or the display panel.

The touch panel may also function as an image sensor. In this case, forexample, an image of a palm print, a fingerprint, or the like is takenwith the display portion 8042 touched with the palm or the finger,whereby personal authentication can be performed. Furthermore, with theuse of backlight or a sensing light source emitting near-infrared lightfor the display portion 8042, an image of a finger vein, a palm vein, orthe like can also be taken.

Further, instead of the touch panel, a keyboard may be provided in thedisplay portion 8042. Furthermore, both the touch panel and the keyboardmay be provided.

The button 8043 for operation can have various functions in accordancewith the intended use. For example, the button 8043 may be used as ahome button so that a home screen is displayed on the display portion8042 by pressing the button 8043. Further, the portable informationterminal 8040 may be configured such that main power supply thereof isturned off with a press of the button 8043 for a predetermined time. Astructure may also be employed in which a press of the button 8043brings the portable information terminal 8040 out of a sleep mode.Besides, the button can be used as a switch for starting a variety offunctions, for example, depending on the length of time for pressing orby pressing the button together with another button.

Further, the button 8043 may be used as a volume control button or amute button to have a function of adjusting the volume of the speaker8047 for outputting sound, for example. The speaker 8047 outputs variouskinds of sound, examples of which are sound set for predeterminedprocessing, such as startup sound of an operating system (OS), soundfrom sound files executed in various applications, such as music frommusic reproduction application software, and an incoming e-mail alert.Although not illustrated, a connector for outputting sound to a devicesuch as headphones, earphones, or a headset may be provided togetherwith or instead of the speaker 8047 for outputting sound.

As described above, the button 8043 can have various functions. Althoughthe number of the button 8043 is two in the portable informationterminal 8040 in FIG. 21A, it is needless to say that the number,arrangement, position, or the like of the buttons is not limited to thisexample and can be designed as appropriate.

The microphone 8046 can be used for sound input and recording. Imagesobtained with the use of the camera lens 8045 can be displayed on thedisplay portion 8042.

In addition to the operation with the touch panel provided on thedisplay portion 8042 or the button 8043, the portable informationterminal 8040 can be operated by recognition of user's movement(gesture) (also referred to as gesture input) using the camera lens8045, a sensor provided in the portable information terminal 8040, orthe like. Alternatively, with the use of the microphone 8046, theportable information terminal 8040 can be operated by recognition ofuser's voice (also referred to as voice input). By introducing a naturaluser interface (NUI) technique which enables data to be input to anelectrical appliance by natural behavior of a human, the operationalperformance of the portable information terminal 8040 can be furtherimproved.

The connection terminal 8048 is a terminal for inputting a signal at thetime of communication with an external device or inputting electricpower at the time of power supply. For example, the connection terminal8048 can be used for connecting an external memory drive to the portableinformation terminal 8040. Examples of the external memory drive arestorage medium drives such as an external hard disk drive (HDD), a flashmemory drive, a digital versatile disk (DVD) drive, a DVD-recordable(DVD-R) drive, a DVD-rewritable (DVD-RW) drive, a compact disc (CD)drive, a compact disc recordable (CD-R) drive, a compact disc rewritable(CD-RW) drive, a magneto-optical (MO) disc drive, a floppy disk drive(FDD), and other nonvolatile solid state drive (SSD) devices. Althoughthe portable information terminal 8040 has the touch panel on thedisplay portion 8042, a keyboard may be provided on the housing 8041instead of the touch panel or may be externally added.

Although the number of the connection terminal 8048 is one in theportable information terminal 8040 in FIG. 21A, it is needless to saythat the number, arrangement, position, or the like of the connectionterminals is not limited to this example and can be designed asappropriate.

FIG. 21B is a perspective view illustrating the rear surface and theside surface of the portable information terminal 8040. In the portableinformation terminal 8040, the housing 8041 includes a solar cell 8049and a camera lens 8050 on its rear surface; the portable informationterminal 8040 further includes a charge and discharge control circuit8051, a power storage device 8052, a DC-DC converter 8053, and the like.FIG. 21B illustrates an example where the charge and discharge controlcircuit 8051 includes the power storage device 8052 and the DC-DCconverter 8053. The power storage device of one embodiment of thepresent invention, which is described in the above embodiment, is usedas the power storage device 8052.

The solar cell 8049 attached on the rear surface of the portableinformation terminal 8040 can supply power to the display portion, thetouch panel, a video signal processor, and the like. Note that the solarcell 8049 can be provided on one or both surfaces of the housing 8041.By including the solar cell 8049 in the portable information terminal8040, the power storage device 8052 in the portable information terminal8040 can be charged even in a place where an electric power supply unitis not provided, such as outdoors.

As the solar cell 8049, it is possible to use any of the following: asilicon-based solar cell including a single layer or a stacked layer ofsingle crystal silicon, polycrystalline silicon, microcrystallinesilicon, or amorphous silicon; an InGaAs-based, GaAs-based, CIS-based,Cu₂ZnSnS₄-based, or CdTe—CdS-based solar cell; a dye-sensitized solarcell including an organic dye; an organic thin film solar cell includinga conductive polymer, fullerene, or the like; a quantum dot solar cellhaving a pin structure in which a quantum dot structure is formed in ani-layer with silicon or the like; and the like.

Here, an example of a structure and operation of the charge anddischarge control circuit 8051 illustrated in FIG. 21B is described withreference to a block diagram in FIG. 21C.

FIG. 21C illustrates the solar cell 8049, the power storage device 8052,the DC-DC converter 8053, a converter 8057, a switch 8054, a switch8055, a switch 8056, and the display portion 8042. The power storagedevice 8052, the DC-DC converter 8053, the converter 8057, and theswitches 8054 to 8056 correspond to the charge and discharge controlcircuit 8051 in FIG. 21B.

The voltage of electric power generated by the solar cell 8049 with theuse of external light is raised or lowered by the DC-DC converter 8053to be at a level needed for charging the power storage device 8052. Whenelectric power from the solar cell 8049 is used for the operation of thedisplay portion 8042, the switch 8054 is turned on and the voltage ofthe electric power is raised or lowered by the converter 8057 to avoltage needed for operating the display portion 8042. In addition, whendisplay on the display portion 8042 is not performed, the switch 8054 isturned off and the switch 8055 is turned on so that the power storagedevice 8052 may be charged.

Although the solar cell 8049 is described as an example of a powergeneration means, the power generation means is not particularly limitedthereto, and the power storage device 8052 may be charged by anotherpower generation means such as a piezoelectric element or athermoelectric conversion element (Peltier element). The charging methodof the power storage device 8052 in the portable information terminal8040 is not limited thereto, and the connection terminal 8048 may beconnected to a power supply to perform charge, for example. The powerstorage device 8052 may be charged by a non-contact power transmissionmodule performing charge by transmitting and receiving electric powerwirelessly, or any of the above charging methods may be used incombination.

Here, the state of charge (SOC) of the power storage device 8052 isdisplayed on the upper left corner (in the dashed frame in FIG. 21A) ofthe display portion 8042. Thus, the user can check the state of chargeof the power storage device 8052 and can accordingly select a powersaving mode of the portable information terminal 8040. When the userselects the power saving mode, for example, the button 8043 or the icons8044 can be operated to switch the components of the portableinformation terminal 8040, e.g., the display module or the displaypanel, an arithmetic unit such as CPU, and a memory, to the power savingmode. Specifically, in each of the components, the use frequency of agiven function is decreased to stop the use. Further, the portableinformation terminal 8040 can be configured to be automatically switchedto the power saving mode depending on the state of charge. Furthermore,by providing a sensor such as an optical sensor in the portableinformation terminal 8040, the amount of external light at the time ofusing the portable information terminal 8040 is sensed to optimizedisplay luminance, which makes it possible to reduce the powerconsumption of the power storage device 8052.

In addition, when charging with the use of the solar cell 8049 or thelike is performed, an image or the like showing that the charging isperformed with the solar cell may be displayed on the upper left corner(in the dashed frame) of the display portion 8042 as illustrated in FIG.21A.

It is needless to say that one embodiment of the present invention isnot limited to the electrical appliance illustrated in FIGS. 21A to 21Cas long as the power storage device of one embodiment of the presentinvention is included.

[7.6. Example of Electrical Appliance (Power Storage System)]

A power storage system will be described as an example of an electricalappliance, with reference to FIGS. 22A and 22B. A power storage system8100 to be described here can be used at home as the above-describedpower storage system 8005. Here, the power storage system 8100 isdescribed as a home-use power storage system as an example; however, itis not limited thereto and can also be used for business use or otheruses.

As illustrated in FIG. 22A, the power storage system 8100 includes aplug 8101 for being electrically connected to a system power supply8103. Further, the power storage system 8100 is electrically connectedto a panelboard 8104 installed in home.

The power storage system 8100 may further include a display panel 8102for displaying an operation state or the like. The display panel mayhave a touch screen. In addition, the power storage system 8100 mayinclude a switch for turning on and off a main power supply, a switch tooperate the power storage system, and the like as well as the displaypanel.

Although not illustrated, an operation switch to operate the powerstorage system 8100 may be provided separately from the power storagesystem 8100; for example, the operation switch may be provided on a wallin a room. Alternatively, the power storage system 8100 may be connectedto a personal computer, a server, or the like provided in home, in orderto be operated indirectly. Still alternatively, the power storage system8100 may be remotely operated using the Internet, an informationterminal such as a smartphone, or the like. In such cases, a mechanismthat performs wired or wireless communication between the power storagesystem 8100 and other devices is provided in the power storage system8100.

FIG. 22B is a schematic view illustrating the inside of the powerstorage system 8100. The power storage system 8100 includes a pluralityof power storage device groups 8106, a battery management unit (BMU)8107, and a power conditioning system (PCS) 8108.

In the power storage device group 8106, the plurality of power storagedevices 8105 described above are connected to each other. Electric powerfrom the system power supply 8103 can be stored in the power storagedevice group 8106. The plurality of power storage device groups 8106 areeach electrically connected to the BMU 8107.

The BMU 8107 has functions of monitoring and controlling states of theplurality of power storage devices 8105 in the power storage devicegroup 8106 and protecting the power storage devices 8105. Specifically,the BMU 8107 collects data of cell voltages and cell temperatures of theplurality of power storage devices 8105 in the power storage devicegroup 8106, monitors overcharge and overdischarge, monitors overcurrent,controls a cell balancer, manages the deterioration condition of abattery, calculates the remaining battery level (the state of charge(SOC)), controls a cooling fan of a driving power storage device, orcontrols detection of failure, for example. Note that the power storagedevices 8105 may have some of or all the functions, or the power storagedevice groups may have the functions. The BMU 8107 is electricallyconnected to the PCS 8108.

Here, as an electronic circuit included in the BMU 8107, an electroniccircuit including the above-described transistor including an oxidesemiconductor is preferably provided. In this case, power consumption ofthe BMU 8107 can be significantly reduced.

The PCS 8108 is electrically connected to the system power supply 8103,which is an AC power source and performs DC-AC conversion. For example,the PCS 8108 includes an inverter, a system interconnection protectivedevice that detects irregularity of the system power supply 8103 andterminates its operation, and the like. In charging the power storagesystem 8100, for example, AC power from the system power supply 8103 isconverted into DC power and transmitted to the BMU 8107. In dischargingthe power storage system 8100, electric power stored in the powerstorage device group 8106 is converted into AC power and supplied to anindoor load, for example. Note that the electric power may be suppliedfrom the power storage system 8100 to the load through the panelboard8104 as illustrated in FIG. 22A or may be directly supplied from thepower storage system 8100 through wired or wireless transmission.

Note that a power supply for charging the power storage system 8100 isnot limited to the system power supply 8103 described above; forexample, power may be supplied from a solar power generating systeminstalled outside or a power storage system mounted on an electricvehicle.

Example 1

In this example, a power storage device was fabricated using lithiumiron phosphate (LiFePO₄) as an active material that exhibits two-phasereaction, and charge-discharge characteristics of the device wereevaluated.

(Formation of Lithium Iron Phosphate)

LiFePO₄ whose surface is covered with a carbon layer was used for thispower storage device. LiFePO₄ was formed by a solid-phase method. Toprepare LiFePO₄ whose surface is covered with a carbon layer, rawmaterials Li₂CO₃, FeC₂O₄.2H₂O, and NH₄H₂PO₄ were weighed in a dry room(with a dew point of higher than or equal to −70° C. and lower than orequal to −55° C.) so as to satisfy a molar ratio of 2:1:1.

Next, the raw materials were mixed and crushed with a ball mill. Here, aplanetary ball mill was used. With the use of a 500 ml zirconia pot and300 g of zirconia balls with a diameter of 3 mm, the raw materials witha total weight of 150 g were subjected to ball milling at a rotationspeed of 300 rpm for 2 hours. In the mixing and crushing, 250 ml acetonecontaining 0.0068% water (produced by KANTO CHEMICAL CO., INC.) was usedas a solvent.

Next, drying was performed with a hot plate at 50° C. in a dry room fora period of longer than or equal to 1 hour and shorter than or equal to2 hours. Then, with the use of a vacuum dryer, drying was performed in avacuum of 0.1 MPa at 80° C. for 2 hours in the dry room.

Next, with the use of a muffle furnace, baking was performed at 350° C.for 10 hours. Here, the N₂ flow rate was 5 l/min.

Next, for the purpose of forming the carbon layer, glucose was weighedso as to be 10 wt % with respect to the baked sample, and the bakedsample and the glucose were mixed and crushed with a ball mill. Theapparatus and method used here were the same as those for the abovemixing and crushing.

Next, drying was performed with a hot plate at 50° C. in the dry roomfor a period of longer than or equal to 1 hour and shorter than or equalto 2 hours. Then, with the use of a vacuum dryer, drying was performedin a vacuum of 0.1 MPa at 80° C. for 2 hours in the dry room.

Next, with the use of a muffle furnace, baking was performed at 600° C.for 10 hours.

Then, aggregates of particles of the active material were cracked withthe ball mill in the dry room. This cracking step was performed in thesame condition as the mixing and crushing of the raw materials exceptthat the rotation speed was 200 rpm and treatment time was 30 minutes.

Next, drying was performed with a hot plate at 50° C. in the dry roomfor a period of longer than or equal to 1 hour and shorter than or equalto 2 hours.

Then, with the use of a vacuum dryer, drying was performed in a vacuumof 0.1 MPa at 175° C. for 2 hours in the dry room.

Through the above steps, LiFePO₄ whose surface is covered with a carbonlayer was obtained. The diameter of a primary particle of the obtainedLiFePO₄ was greater than or equal to 50 nm and less than or equal to 300nm, and the diameter of a secondary particle thereof was 2 μm or less.

(Formation of Positive Electrode)

To form a positive electrode, first, LiFePO₄ whose surface is coveredwith a carbon layer and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) were stirred and mixedin a mixer at 2000 rpm for 3 minutes. Then, ultrasonic vibration wasapplied for 3 minutes and the mixture was stirred and mixed in a mixerat 2000 rpm for 1 minute. This step of ultrasonic vibration andstirring/mixing was repeated 5 times.

Next, graphene oxide was added to the mixture and stirring and mixing ofthe mixture in a mixer at 2000 rpm for 2 minutes were performed 8 times.After that, PVDF (produced by KUREHA CORPORATION) was added as a binderand the mixture was stirred and mixed in a mixer at 2000 rpm for 2minutes once. Moreover, NMP was added, and the mixture was stirred andmixed at 2000 rpm for 2 minutes. This step was repeated until theviscosity of the sample became suitable for application.

Note that the compounding ratio of LiFePO₄ covered with a carbon layerto graphene oxide and PVDF was 91.4:0.6:8 (wt %).

Here, graphene oxide was formed by a Hummers method. Graphite was mixedwith KMO₄ and a sulfuric acid to be oxidized. The obtained graphiteoxide was cleaned with a hydrochloric acid and then dispersed in water,and part of the graphite oxide was separated with an ultrasonic cleaningmachine. Then, a hydrochloric acid was removed, and moisture was removedwith an evaporator and ethanol under a reduced pressure. Moreover, theobtained sample was crushed with a dancing mill and dried. Through thesesteps, graphene oxide was formed.

Through the above steps, slurry was formed. Then, the slurry was appliedover a 20-μm-thick aluminum foil with an applicator. Here, the distancebetween an applicator member of the applicator and a surface where theslurry was applied was 230 μm and the application rate was 10 mm/sec.

The above sample was dried in hot air at 80° C. for 40 minutes, and thenpressed with a roller press machine. Moreover, the sample was heated at170° C. in a reduced pressure atmosphere for 10 hours and pressed again.The obtained electrode was stamped out, whereby the positive electrodewas formed.

Note that the temperature of the roller of the press machine was 120°C., and pressing was performed under conditions such that the thicknessof the positive electrode was reduced by 20%. In the positive electrode,the thickness of an active material layer was 58 μm, the electrodedensity was 1.82 g/cm³, the LiFePO₄ content was about 9.7 mg/cm², andthe single-electrode theoretical capacity was about 1.6 mAh/cm².

(Formation of Negative Electrode)

A negative electrode was formed as follows. MCMB particles whosesurfaces are covered with silicon oxide layers, NMP, and PVDF (producedby KUREHA CORPORATION) were stirred and mixed in a mixer at 2000 rpm for5 minutes. Note that the weight ratio of PVDF to MCMB was 10 wt %(weight percent).

Moreover, NMP was added and the mixture was stirred and mixed at 2000rpm for 5 minutes. This step was repeated until the viscosity of thesample became suitable for application.

Through the above steps, slurry was formed. Then, the slurry was appliedover a 18-μm-thick copper foil with an applicator. Here, the distancebetween an applicator member of the applicator and a surface where theslurry was applied was 230 μm and the application rate was 10 mm/sec.

This sample was dried in hot air at 70° C. for 40 minutes, and thenpressed with a roller press machine. Moreover, the sample was heated at170° C. in a reduced pressure atmosphere for 10 hours and pressed again.The obtained electrode was stamped out, whereby the negative electrodewas formed. Note that the temperature of the roller of the press machinewas 120° C., and pressing was performed under conditions such that thethickness of the positive electrode was reduced by 20%. In the negativeelectrode, the thickness of an active material layer was 89 μm, theelectrode density was 1.42 g/cm³, the MCMB content was about 11.4mg/cm², and the single-electrode theoretical capacity was about 4.2mAh/cm².

The MCMB covered with a silicon oxide layer was formed by a sol-gelmethod in the following manner. Silicon ethoxide, a hydrochloric acid,and toluene were mixed and stirred to give a Si(OEt)₄ toluene solution.At this time, the amount of silicon ethoxide was determined so thatsilicon oxide formed later was 1 wt % (weight percent) with respect toMCMB. The compounding ratio of this solution was as follows: Si(OEt)₄was 3.14×10⁻⁴ mol; the IN hydrochloric acid, 2.91×10⁻⁴ mol; and toluene,2 ml.

Next, MCMB with an average grain size of 9 μm was added to the Si(OEt)₄toluene solution and the mixture was stirred in the dry room. Afterthat, the obtained solution was kept at 70° C. for 3 hours in a humidenvironment.

Next, baking was performed with a muffle furnace at 500° C. in anitrogen atmosphere for 3 hours. Then, aggregates of particles of theactive material were cracked with a mortar, whereby the MCMB coveredwith a silicon oxide layer was formed.

(Cell for Evaluation)

A CR2032 coin-type cell (with a diameter of 20 mm and a height of 3.2mm) was fabricated with the use of the positive electrode and negativeelectrode formed in the above-described manner. Here, 25-μm-thickpolypropylene was used as a separator. An electrolyte solution formed insuch a manner that lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆) was dissolved ata concentration of 1 mol/L in a solution in which ethylene carbonate(EC) and diethyl carbonate (DEC) were mixed at a volume ratio of 3:7 wasused as an electrolyte solution.

For the evaluation of the charge-discharge capacity of the fabricatedcoin-type cell, a charge-discharge test was performed with agalvanostatic charge and discharge apparatus (TOSCAT-3100 manufacturedby TOYO SYSTEM CO., LTD) under the following conditions: environmentaltemperature of 25° C., charge-discharge rate of 0.2 C (34 mA/g), theupper limit voltage of 4.0 V, and the lower limit voltage of 2.0 V.

The results of the charge-discharge test are shown in FIG. 23, where thehorizontal axis represents capacity (mAh/g) and the vertical axisrepresents voltage (V). The charge capacity and the discharge capacitywere both over 120 mAh/g. Further, as is apparent from thecharge-discharge results of FIG. 23, a power storage device usinglithium iron phosphate as a positive electrode active material exhibitscharge characteristics having a flat region (plateau region) in itscharge curve and an abrupt voltage change at the end of charging.

Example 2

In this example, variations in the current value when applying highvoltage to a power storage device using lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄)that exhibits two-phase reaction as a positive electrode active materialwere measured.

A CR2032 coin-type cell (with a diameter of 20 mm and a height of 3.2mm) was fabricated and used for measurement. A positive electrode with acompounding ratio (wt %) of lithium iron phosphate covered with a carbonlayer to acetylene black and PVDF of 85:8:7 was used. The thickness ofan active material layer was 75 m, the LiFePO₄ content was 9.8 mg/cm²,and the single-electrode theoretical capacity was 1.67 mAh/cm². Anegative electrode with a compounding ratio (wt %) of graphite toacetylene black and PVDF of 93:2:5 was used. The thickness of an activematerial layer was 120 μm, the graphite content was 12 mg/cm², and thesingle-electrode theoretical capacity was 4.46 mAh/cm².

As a separator, 25-μm-thick polypropylene was used. An electrolytesolution formed in such a manner that lithium hexafluorophosphate(LiPF₆) was dissolved at a concentration of 1 mol/L in a solution inwhich ethylene carbonate (EC) and diethyl carbonate (DEC) were mixed ata volume ratio of 1:1 was used as an electrolyte solution. Measurementwas performed at 60° C.

The above-described sample and measurement conditions were employed forthe evaluation. The voltage dependence of the current value in constantvoltage (CV) charging after constant current (CC) charging is shown inFIG. 24A, where the horizontal axis represents time (sec) and thevertical axis represents current value (mA).

At relatively low voltages of 3.8 V, 3.9 V, and 4.0 V in CV charging,the value of current flowing at the time of CV charging is lower than0.01 mA. In contrast, at relatively high constant voltages of 4.1 V orhigher, the current value is increased. At 4.6 V, the current value isas high as about 0.12 mA. Thus, the tendency for the current value toincrease in accordance with a voltage increase is observed.

FIG. 24B shows the relation between the holding voltage (constantvoltage) and the current value (mA/g) after 300 sec when the currentvalue becomes almost stable. At voltages below about 4.0 V, the currentflowing through the cell is small, and when the voltage is raised, thevalue of current flowing through the cell increases exponentially. Fromthe fact that the current value has voltage dependence, the increase inthe current value is presumably owing to the electrochemical reaction inthe cell.

The above results show that application of high constant voltage to abattery after normal CCCV charging allows current flow to the batteryfor additional charging. For example, in the case of using lithium ironphosphate as a positive electrode active material, a constant voltage of4.0 V or lower is enough for normal CCCV charging, but by performingadditional charging at a high voltage of 4.6 V, for example, furthercharging is possible.

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application serial no.2012-288565 filed with Japan Patent Office on Dec. 28, 2012, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

What is claimed is:
 1. A charging method of a power storage unit,comprising the steps of: performing first charging with a first voltage;measuring a capacity of the power storage unit after the step ofperforming the first charging; comparing the capacity with a valuestored in a memory; and performing second charging with a second voltageafter the step of comparing the capacity with the value, wherein thesecond voltage is higher than the first voltage, and wherein the secondcharging is performed until a resistance of the power storage unitreaches a predetermined resistance.
 2. The charging method according toclaim 1, wherein the value is a value of a capacity before shipping ofthe power storage unit.
 3. The charging method according to claim 1,wherein the second charging causes decomposition of an electrolytesolution in the power storage unit.
 4. The charging method according toclaim 1, wherein the first charging does not cause decomposition of anelectrolyte solution in the power storage unit, and wherein the secondcharging causes decomposition of the electrolyte solution in the powerstorage unit.
 5. The charging method according to claim 1, wherein thepower storage unit comprises an active material that exhibits two-phasereaction.
 6. The charging method according to claim 1, furthercomprising a step of performing constant current charging before thestep of performing the first charging.
 7. The charging method accordingto claim 1, wherein a positive electrode in the power storage unitcomprises graphene.
 8. The charging method according to claim 7, whereinthe graphene is multilayer graphene with an interlayer distance ofgreater than or equal to 0.34 nm and less than or equal to 0.5 nm. 9.The charging method according to claim 1, wherein the memory comprises atransistor comprising an oxide semiconductor film in a channel formationregion.